Parent Participation

Our school would not exist without the active participation of parents.  The involvement of parents in all aspects of the school’s operation ensures that many of our labour costs are reduced.  Most importantly, parent participation makes enrolment at St. Matthew’s Elementary School a ‘family affair’.  At St. Matthew’s, we believe that education is very much a family responsibility.  When parents show an active interest in various Parent Participation projects, the children notice.  We therefore encourage all parents to actively participate in our school and parish community. We do understand that all families are not able to participate with hours and therefore, have pay in lieu options to assist. It should be noted that your involvement in the Parent Participation Program should not be confused with volunteer activities, in which you will also be encouraged to contribute your time and talents.  These include school and parish activities such as field trip chaperoning, some fund-raising activities, and other events (e.g. Fun Day).  Such volunteerism is a fundamental value of St. Matthew’s Elementary School, and contributes greatly to Catholic solidarity and community spirit.  It can be an intrinsically rewarding experience for those involved.

Participating Families

As active school community members, parents/caregivers are required to participate in one or more areas as needed by the school (see below).  Further details are provided with the annual (re)registration package.   A minimum of 40 hours per annum (as defined by a yearly cycle beginning on July 1 preceding the school year in question) is required from each family for fulfillment of the Parent Participation Program responsibility.

Positions

Once you are assigned to an area you will be contacted by the Coordinator to work out a schedule and to answer any questions you may have. It is important to understand that once a schedule has been made up and work areas assigned, you are expected to remain committed to that area. You are responsible to find your own replacements. Should you find the need to change your area of participation during the year, you must contact your Coordinator immediately. We cannot guarantee that a position in another area will be available. Failure to meet your obligation will result in reassignment to the ‘pay in lieu’ category requiring an additional $800 fee. A comprehensive Parent Participation Registration Form will be distributed at the time of registration/re-registration.

40 hours of participation per family is required, but this is used as a guideline only (additional hours are much appreciated). If you find you are short hours, it is your responsibility to make up those hours if you do not wish to be pay the balance of hours in lieu at a rate of $20 per hour. Contact the Area Coordinator for assistance.

Please note that in order to ensure the safety of our students and their families it is now required that families do 4 mandatory supervisory shifts per year (before and after school).

Pay in Lieu Options

We understand that all families may not be able to participate through 40 hours. As a result we have a Pay in Lieu Option – an $800 payment (either one cheque dated for September 1st or two cheques for $400 dated September 1st and March 1st).

Each person that will be working with children in/outside of our school for their Parent Participation hours or otherwise, is required to complete a Criminal Record Check through their local RCMP detachment at the beginning of each school year. A volunteer letter and the appropriate forms are available at the school office.