Volunteering is at the heart of the SJS community and wouldn’t be possible without the incredible parents and guardians who generously give their time to the many events and initiatives around the school. Volunteers embody the SJS spirit, modelling service for students and enriching our community.
Last year more than 200 parent volunteers supporting events and initiatives across the school! This year is already off to just as strong a start. We are delighted to launch our Volunteer Wall to showcase the ever-growing list of this year’s volunteers and recognize their contributions to the SJS Community.
Why Do Parents Volunteer?
Volunteering is a wonderful way to enrich the school experience for students and parents. For Tammy Kwok, parent of Kenzie, volunteering is a direct way to invest in her child’s education:
“We continue to be avid supporters of the school through volunteerism and financially to Annual Giving because we know these actions directly benefit our children’s education, support the educators by giving them access to even more opportunities and strengthen the extended school community.”
For Yendi Pang, parent of Payten and Sidney, volunteering began as a way to be involved, but quickly grew into something more meaningful:
“Our family started at SJS over seven years ago, and the community is what drew us in. Eager to be part of it, I began volunteering in a small way from Crosswalk Duty and Career Day to becoming a Class Parent and eventually joining the Parent Association Executive. Volunteering at SJS has given me the privilege of meeting an incredible group of parents who have since become friends.”
Just like for Tammy and Yendi, volunteering builds relationships, deepens connections and creates lasting memories for children and students alike.
How Volunteering Works
Whether you love organizing, have a flair for decorating or can simply spare an hour, there’s a place for you! The Parent Association is looking for volunteers to fill a wide range of events and initiatives throughout the year, ranging from morning crosswalk duty to being an event lead. Once a volunteer has completed their Criminal Record Check they are encouraged to complete the online volunteer form, to help the PA find the right opportunity for you.
Throughout the year the PA will host Uniform Sales, run a 50/50 Raffle or open a Pop-Up Sale for Spirit Wear. This, alongside the BC Gaming Grant and proceeds from the Hot Lunch Program, all contribute to the revenue that directly funds community events such as the Back to School BBQ, Family Fun Night and many other initiatives throughout the year!
Some opportunities are connected directly to the classroom. Parents may lend their knowledge or expertise directly as guest speakers, as it relates to the students curriculum. These opportunities are arranged directly with the homeroom teachers.
Start Volunteering Today
All volunteers must complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC). All the information required to complete your CRC is available on the Parent Volunteerism tile of mySJS.
For questions about the volunteer policy, please contact Catriona Cheng, Director of Finance and HR at ccheng@sjs.ca. For questions about the process, please contact Trish Richards, Annual Giving and Community Relations Manager at trichards@sjs.ca.
