St Columba Anglican School emphasises the importance of collaboration with families to foster student confidence, a cornerstone of successful learning. The school actively involves parents and carers in various activities, including class participation, sports, and co-curricular programs. Organisations like the Parents and Friends Association play a crucial role in supporting the School and fundraising for important facilities. An annual Grandparents and VIP Day in the Primary School allows grandparents to spend time in their grandchild's classroom.
The School appreciates the support of parents, retirees, grandparents, and friends who volunteer, contributing to a wide array of programs such as coaching, classroom assistance, and the school canteen. Volunteers must complete the Volunteer's Code of Conduct Declaration form and, if not affiliated with the school, a current Working With Children Check. Volunteers must be fully vaccinated and symptom-free when on campus.
Parents or community volunteers who interact with students other than their own or assist in overnight events must submit their Working With Children check number for verification. The check can be applied for via the Children’s Guardian website and processed at a Service NSW Centre without charge for volunteering purposes. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SCAS.FAN is an informal network of volunteers who provide support to families during challenging times. Assistance includes transportation, meal preparation, home help, or temporary child care. Community members are invited to join SCAS.FAN to help foster connections and support families during difficult circumstances. Requests for help and offers to volunteer are handled confidentially. Contact us to find out more.
Parents are welcome in classrooms upon making prior arrangements. For safety, all visitors must sign in at the Front Reception and wear a Visitor’s lanyard. This includes parents on regular rosters, for example, reading groups or classroom helpers. Visitors are to sign out and return their pass prior to leaving the School grounds. Concerns with staff should be addressed through scheduled interviews to respect privacy.
Parent engagement is vital, with several key events expected to be attended by parents, such as Parent-Teacher Nights, information evenings, and staff-initiated meetings to discuss pastoral, behavioural or academic issues that arise. Attendance at co-curricular performances, community events and fundraisers, and showcase evenings are also encouraged to foster community involvement and support your child’s activities.