Volunteer Opportunities

Participation by parents and friends of Cathedral School plays an integral and very important part in the operation of the School. The objective of the Participation Program is to create a spirit of community, a sense of family among students, staff, parents and friends. Working together, we can provide the best education for the children and ensure the future of our School for generations to come.

There are several opportunities for parents and friends to participate in ways that reduce the stress on staff and improve the operation of the School, thereby maintaining low school fees and providing a safe, secure, positive educational experience for the children.

Following are a few of these opportunities If you do not see one that fits your time and talent and/or you have ideas on how our School can become better, please bring your ideas to the Head of School.

Volunteer Coordinator : One or more volunteers are required to help recruit volunteers as required by program coordinators. The role will include recruitment, assignment and record keeping (of volunteers available and assignments.) This will require ongoing service and availability (in the order of 5 hours per week).

Class Parent Representative : One parent is needed for each class to help increase the involvement of parents in School events. The role includes helping to organize events, coordinating human and other needs, and recruiting volunteers to help. It is expected that there will be 4-5 such events annually.

Class Grandparent : One elder is needed for each class to work with the Parent Representative on event planning and execution. The Class Grandparent will also help in class time, including identifying and recruiting volunteers for special presentations.

In-Class Support : Teachers of junior classes will benefit from assistance in class time. The role will include supervising class work and working directly with certain students under the direction of the classroom teacher.

Chaperones and Drivers : Volunteers are needed to transport, accompany and supervise children to/at special events, such as choral presentations and field trips. This is expected to require about 2 hours each time, several times during the school year.

Social Event Coordinator(s) : One or two volunteers are needed to develop a plan to get parents and friends together throughout the school year in social settings to achieve the sense of community spirit that will enhance the educational experience of our students. It is expected that the role will require 3-4 meetings early in the school year and periodic meetings with event coordinators to ensure implementation of the plan and coordination of the individual events.

Social and Special Event Coordinators : During the school year, 3-4 special events will be held to contribute to the sense of family and/or to raise funds for special purposes. Each of these will require a coordinator and a team of volunteers. The coordinator will develop plans, recruit and assign volunteer team members, and oversee the event. Team members will carry out the assigned tasks.

In-Class Presenters : Volunteers with special backgrounds are needed for periodic presentations to students during class time. These people will work under the direction of classroom teachers, on call by the teachers, largely with senior classes. Subjects will range broadly, perhaps including handling money, leadership, work related topics, community involvement, and many others. An inventory of skills and experience of those interested in serving in this way will be developed for consideration by classroom teachers. It is expected that each volunteer will be called upon 4-5 times annually.

Safe Arrival : Volunteers are needed to ensure safe arrival of children. This will involve phoning parents of children that do not arrive by class time. One volunteer is needed every morning from 8:30 am until 9:00 am .

Supervising Mid Day Play : One volunteer is required each school day from 12:20 p.m. until 1:00 pm to supervise children during their lunch break and mid day play.

Lunch Supervision: One volunteer is required for each grade every school day to supervise the children while they eat their lunch in the classroom, from 12 noon until approx 12:30 pm .

Library Service : Volunteers are required to supervise the library during the period from 12 noon until 1:00pm each day. The role includes checking books in/out and stacking returned books. Anyone willing to volunteer at other times in the Library would also be very welcome.

Music Program Support : Volunteers with musical talent and/or teaching experience could be of assistance in development of the school music program. This would be scheduled by agreement with the music teacher.

Choir/Band Mother/Father. Volunteers are required to help with the choirs and/or band when they are performing in public, acting as an assistant to Mme Wong to help with dress, keeping them occupied while waiting etc.

Coaching : With the growth of the School in senior classes, school sports will be emphasized. Volunteers are required for coaching duties, both as chief coach and as assistants to teacher and volunteer chief coaches. Background and interest in soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field events, and badminton is of help. This role will require 3-6 hours per week for the sport season (each sport will run for about 10 weeks).

Office Assistance : Our school Administrator needs help with routine office duties, answering the telephone, running errands, photocopying, filing and other office duties. The duties will require about 5 hours per week, scheduled by agreement with the Administrator.

School Maintenance : From time to time, there will be volunteers required for special maintenance issues. This will include preparation and maintenance of the gardens when they are in place. Also some painting and furniture removal and cleaning will be required at the end of the summer before school starts. This role will require a few hours when required and can often be met at times suitable to the volunteers.

If you do not see a volunteer position that fits your time and talent and/or you have ideas on how our School can become a better place - please bring your ideas to:

Head of School
Phone: (250) 383-5125
Email: head@cathedralschool.ca