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Volunteer Conduct & Communication

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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 expectations in relation to conduct and communication as a volunteer in the Diocese of Townsville.

The module will only take about 20 minutes to complete and there will be some questions at the end to test your understanding of expectations.�

Jacqui Francis

Executive Director

Townsville Catholic Education

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Our Code of Conduct sets out the expectations in relation to conduct whilst volunteering.

The code outlines expectations in relation to personal integrity, ethical behaviour and positive interactions with the school community and members of the public.

The code applies to all volunteers across all schools, sites and school activities in the Diocese. Parent’s volunteering are required to abide by the Parent Code of Conduct as well as the Volunteer Code of Conduct.

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Code of Conduct

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All volunteers are expected to:

Treat students and staff with dignity and respect.
Uphold the same standards of behaviour and ethical conduct as those required of staff.
Follow instructions from teaching staff.
Seek clarification where you may be uncertain of tasks or requirements.
Understand that the principal is the person responsible for the school and that the principal is the spokesperson for the school.
Do not engage directly with media representatives, but refer all enquiries to school administration.

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Code of Conduct

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All volunteers are expected to:

Refrain from discussing or disclosing personal information about students, staff or students’ parents or carers.
Keep all information obtained through your role as a volunteer confidential. This means not sharing information via social media or other electronic means.
Avoid waste and make proper use of the resources of the school.
Support in words and actions the philosophy of Catholic Education.
Avoid personal misconduct inconsistent with the Catholic values.

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Code of Conduct

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All volunteers are expected to:

Report any concerns relating to student wellbeing or harm to the Principal or School Safe Person immediately. If the concerns relate to the Principal’s behaviour or conduct, contact TCEO.
Observe safe work practices, avoid unnecessary risks, apply reasonable instructions given by supervisors.
Report to supervising staff and school administration any hazard or hazardous practice in the workplace, including incidents, injury or property damage.

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Code of Conduct

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Abuse includes, but is not limited to:

Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation
Sexual abuse or inappropriate behaviour
Neglect or exploitation

Volunteers must:

Never harm, threaten, or mistreat a student in any way
Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
Avoid any conduct that could be misinterpreted as abusive or inappropriate
Immediately report any suspected or disclosed abuse in accordance with school safeguarding procedures

Any allegation or evidence of abuse will be taken seriously and may result in immediate removal from volunteering duties and referral to relevant authorities.

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Townsville Catholic Education has a ZERO tolerance for abuse

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Racism or discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited, including:

Racist language, jokes, comments, or gestures
Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, culture, language, or skin colour
Stereotyping, exclusion, or unfair treatment of any individual or group

Volunteers must:

Treat all individuals equally and with dignity
Challenge racism or discriminatory behaviour in an appropriate and safe manner
Promote inclusion, respect, and understanding
Report any racist or discriminatory incidents to a member of staff immediately

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Townsville Catholic Education has a ZERO tolerance for Racism and Discriminiation

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We have high standards in relation to communication expected of volunteers. Volunteers should model effective communication skills at all times when engaging with students.

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Communication with Students

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Be calm, friendly, open-minded in relaxed in your interactions.
Acknowledge the perspectives and concerns of individuals even though you may not share their views.
Practice effective listening - ask open questions; do not judge; pay attention to your body language and the non-verbal communication of others.
Be judicious in making physical contact with young people- Be conscious of not intruding on student’s physical and personal space.
Be clear and consistent in reinforcing expectations of the school -A volunteer may remind students of the rules but at no time issue consequences.

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Communication with Students

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Use respectful, non-discriminatory and non-judgmental language.
Support children in all educational endeavours by giving praise and showing interest.
Help children to discover that it is more the process that is experienced, rather than the end product, that makes it all worthwhile.
Model resilience, encourage healthy problem solving and model positive proactive communication.
Help children to understand that ‘giving of your very best’ is what matters rather than always comparing yourself against the capabilities or achievements of others.
Listen to children, but remember that a different version of the event may be interpreted by others.
Seek advice and guidance whenever you need.

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Communication with Students

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At no time issue consequences to students - refer them to the teacher if the behaviour continues.
Please do not approach another child whilst in the care of the school to address, discuss or chastise them because of actions towards your child.
Do not put yourself or children at risk.

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Communication with Students

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Which of the following are expectations under the code of conduct?

reporting concerns about student behaviour to the supervising teacher
discussing concerns about a particular student with other parents or volunteers
reporting concerns about student wellbeing to the principal
following safe work practices and instructions
asking for clarification if you do not understand the task you have been given
taking resources from school for personal use
reporting a strain or injury you sustained during your volunteering
Reporting racist or discriminatory incidents to a member of staff immediately
Never harm, threaten, or mistreat a student in any way

Assessment Questions

A, C, D, E, G, H and I are expected of you as a Catholic Education volunteer.

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

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

treating students with dignity and respect
keeping your worries about a student’s wellbeing to yourself
posting images of students or teachers completing class activities online to share with your social networks
reporting workplace hazards to supervising teachers
discouraging young people’s inquisitive nature and independent thinking, encouraging students to adopt your own opinion
making proper use of school resources and avoiding unnecessary waste
Racist language, jokes, comments or gestures

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Assessment Questions

B, C, E and G are breaches of conduct expectations. A, D and F are required under the code of conduct.

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Which of the following constitute inappropriate communication?

disciplining a student who is being disruptive by asking them to sit out of the activity
approaching another parent about the behaviour of their child towards yours
encourage students by giving praise and encouraging interest in the topic being explored
help children to give their best and not to compare themselves to others
being friendly and relaxed in your interactions
reminding students about expectations of the class task or student behaviour.

Assessment Questions

A and B are examples of inappropriate communication.�C, D, E and F are examples of appropriate Volunteer communication

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Congratulations!

You have completed the Volunteering Conduct & Communication online learning module.

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