Parent School Partnership
St Mary’s recognises Parents as the greatest educators of their children and recognise the privileged partnership we have with families. It is within this partnership that we live, learn and grow as a community. We encourage our families to be actively involved in all aspects of school life. At St Mary’s we do not enroll a child, we walk a journey with a family.
There are many ways to be involved in St Mary’s…
A Community of Parents and Friends
St Mary’s Community of Parents and Friends consists of parent volunteers and representatives from our community. St Mary’s recognises that many parents would welcome the opportunity to be involved in raising the social and financial capital of our school. Our community offers a variety of opportunities and events where parents can commit to a group or team annually. The small community groups work collaboratively to organise events, fundraisers, social gatherings and celebrations for all in our community.
Meetings for the Community of Parents and Friends are held as needed and in alignment with event preparation and celebrations. The small working groups meet as needed to prepare events and celebrations and are advertised and promoted via the school newsletter.
St Mary’s School Advisory Council (SAC)
St. Mary’s School Advisory Council is an important element in the governance of our school. It recognises the opinions, ideas and advocacy of a diverse group of community members and encourages their participation in many aspects of school life. The primary purpose of the School Advisory Council is to establish, monitor and implement the school improvement plan.
St Mary’s membership on the School Advisory Council requires no special skills or knowledge of education. A member simply needs a willingness and desire to be part of our school community in a real and practical way, to add your voice to making our school grow and function to the best of its ability.
The School Advisory Council consists of:
- A School Advisory Chair
- The Principal
- The Parish Priest
- A member of the Leadership Team
- Six elected Parent members
St Mary’s aspires to have nine members on the School Advisory Council. It welcomes new parents annually and welcomes diversity and difference. St. Mary’s invites those interested to take an active part in the development and progression of our school.
Volunteering:
Engagement of Volunteers
At St Mary’s Primary School, Echuca the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. To uphold our commitment to child safety, ALL Volunteers are required to review and acknowledge our Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures. Additionally, Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Registration form and successfully complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction before commencing their role as a Volunteer.
We deeply value the contributions of our Volunteers and appreciate your support in maintaining a culture of care and protection. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and nurturing space for every child to thrive.
For more information regarding volunteering contact us or click on the link to complete the Volunteer Registration form.
All Volunteers will be asked to:
· Complete a Volunteer Registration form (including personal details, Working with Children Check (WWCC) and 2 personal referees), please inform your referees they will be contacted by the school in relation to your volunteering.
· Once you have completed the Volunteer Registration form and are approved to Volunteer at the school, you will be sent an email with a link to access the required training:
(Please note – Completing this induction replaces the previous onsite induction interview)
· CESL School Volunteer Induction; and
· Read and acknowledge the Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures.
All Volunteers will be required to update details at the start of each year and inform the school of any changes to your circumstances or updates to your WWCC. All Volunteers will need to complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction and read and acknowledge all relevant safeguarding policies at the start of each school year even if an existing Volunteer.
All information received regarding volunteering and providing referee details will be maintained in line with CESL Privacy Policy.
Please scan the QR code below to begin our volunteers process.
