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Volunteering with Catholic Education

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Welcome

As a volunteer you play a significant role in the work of our schools and form part of the Catholic School community. You have an important role in shaping a safe and caring learning environment for students.

This module will introduce you to Catholic Education in North Queensland and your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer. It will also explore the principles and values we expect all volunteers to uphold.

This module will take about 20 minutes to complete and there will be some questions at the end to test your understanding.

Jacqui Francis

Executive Director

Townsville Catholic Education

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Our mission is to provide quality Catholic education across the diocese. Townsville diocese extends from Mount Isa in the west, to Proserpine in the south, Palm Island to the east, and north to Ingham. We have 29 schools in the diocese providing primary, secondary, Prep-to-Year 12 and boarding institutions. Catholic schools educate around 1 in 5 students, making up almost 60% of students in non-government schools. Volunteers bring experience, expertise and energy to our work across North Queensland.

Diocese of Townsville

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The first Catholic school in the Townsville Diocese was St Mary’s in Bowen, which opened in 1872, closely followed by St Joseph’s School The Strand, in 1873. The Diocese of Townsville was formed in 1930.

History

Purpose

Our aim as a network of Catholic school communities across North Queensland is to give students the sense of being safe and valued as people so that they are secure and ready to learn at their best level.

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In fulfilling our mission, we aspire to uphold the values taught to us in scripture and the Christian tradition including:

Love [1 John 4:7-19];
Promoting Life in Abundance (John 10:10);
Inclusion (Luke 19:1-10);
Reconciliation (Luke 15:11-32);
Compassion (Luke 10:30-37);
Justice (Matthew 25:31-460);
Liberation (Luke 4:16-21);
Community (John 15);
Hope (Luke 24:13-35).

We are called to emulate Jesus’ call to love God and to love each other, and use these values to guide us.

Values

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We strive to living out these Gospel values by:

Values in Action

Being inclusive, non-judgmental and welcoming towards all people.
Displaying our ability to understand the situation of others.
Adopting a co-operative attitude in working with others.
Using open, positive and honest communication
Working respectfully with other

people regardless of our difference.

Displaying reverence for Creation.
Developing trusting relationships.
Taking responsibility for our actions and working as part of a team.

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Volunteer Rights

As a volunteer you have the right:

to be treated with respect, courtesy and professionalism;
to work in a healthy and safe environment;
to be engaged in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation;
to be adequately covered by insurance;
to have access to grievance procedures and to receive a timely response to concerns raised;
to be provided with induction and orientation;
to have your confidential and personal information dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act; and
to be provided with sufficient instruction and training to do your job.

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Volunteer Responsibilities

To treat others with respect, courtesy and professionalism.
To protect our children, keep student wellbeing at the centre of decision making.
To value and champion your school and its reputation.
To create an environment free from harassment, fear, racism, and exploitation.
To observe confidentiality in respect of all information gained through your participation as a volunteer.
To follow the correct procedures to resolve a grievance or conflict.
To be mindful of the hurt and damage negativity or inappropriate material shared on social media may cause to staff members and other parents and the broader school community.
To follow the instructions and directions of the supervising teacher/principal whether you are helping in class, on camp, or supporting school activities.
To uphold the Volunteer Code of Conduct at all times during the course of engagement.

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Principles

Safety

Wellbeing

Respect

Humility

Ethical

As a Catholic school it is expected that all members of our community model these principles at all times.

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Principles

Safety

Wellbeing

Respect

Humility

Ethical

Safety

Follow the safety procedures and guidelines outlined on site, and contained within your volunteer induction.

Be drug, alcohol and tobacco free at all times while on site.

Report any injuries or hazards that you notice in the workplace.

Report any illegal or unsafe activity to the principal.

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Principles

Safety

Wellbeing

Respect

Humility

Ethical

Wellbeing

Ensure a safe and caring environment and relationships with students at all times.

Keep student wellbeing at the centre of decision making.

Contribute to an environment free from harassment, fear, racism, and exploitation.

Report any concerns relating to student wellbeing immediately to the school safe person or principal. This includes information shared by a child which indicates possible harm or risk of harm.

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Principles

Safety

Wellbeing

Respect

Humility

Ethical

Respect

Communicate with respect.

Treat students and staff with dignity and respect.

Respect people's rights to have cultures, beliefs, opinions and make decisions different to our own.

Be punctual and reliable. Give notice if your availability changes.

Adhere to the Diocesan policies and procedures.

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Principles

Safety

Wellbeing

Respect

Humility

Ethical

Humility

Accept and follow directions from the principal or nominated supervisor.

Seek guidance where you may be uncertain. Undertake training where requested.

Work to your role and competency.

Understand that the principal is the person responsible for the school and that the principal is the spokesperson for the school.

Represent the school positively.

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Principles

Safety

Wellbeing

Respect

Humility

Ethical

Act within the law, be honest and fair, respect other people and work to the best of your ability.

Be accountable for your actions and support other team members.

Observe confidentiality and uphold privacy in respect of all information gained through your participation as a volunteer.

Deal with complaints in the appropriate manner.

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Assessment Questions

Which of the following are expectations of volunteers?

a)being inclusive and welcoming

b)displaying empathy toward others

c)being judgmental towards people of different faiths

d)being cooperative in a team environment

e)reporting concerns about student wellbeing

f)being friendly and supportive to children and young people from all backgrounds

g)avoiding people who are different or who have different opinions to you

h)working well as part of a team

i) notifying the school if your availability changes

A, B, D, E, F, H & I are expected of you as a Catholic Education Volunteer

C and G are not acceptable and would constitute breach of conduct expectations.

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Assessment Questions

Which of the following would represent a breach of expectations of volunteers?

a)following safety instructions

b)smoking on school camp

c)reporting safety concerns

d)displaying care and concern for student wellbeing

e)respecting that people have the right to make decisions different to your own

f)using social media to complain about an incident at school

g)raising concerns with the principal

h)keeping personal information of students private

B, F are not acceptable and would constitute breach of conduct expectations.

A, C,E,G & H are expected of you as a Catholic Education Volunteer.

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Congratulations!

You have completed the Volunteering with Catholic Education online learning module 1.

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