Rundle College Volunteer Initiative

We have a goal this year. It is ambitious, somewhat overwhelming, and a vital part of our school community. The goal is to have every student volunteer for five hours over the year.

Our new service learning program is designed to allow our students to learn and develop through active participation in organized service experiences that actually meet community needs. The emphasis at the junior high is on sharing time rather than on fundraising. Past experiences with student volunteering has reinforced the critical, empathic link that develops when students actually meet those whom they are helping. By reflecting on the experience and considering the mutual benefit, our students will develop a deeper appreciation for everyone in our society, regardless of their circumstances.

Volunteering brings out leadership skills, opens doors to future professions, inspires altruism and allows students to feel tremendous pride in accomplishing goals and helping others. Our plan is to have students experience volunteerism at three levels:

•Independent community volunteering – students will have opportunities to volunteer in small or large groups outside of school time. These will include working at the food bank, Feed the Hungry, charity marathons, Toy Mountain, Senior centres, and disabled children’s organizations , just to name a few.

•Classroom volunteering – each of our homeroom classes are taking a half day to go out into the community and make a positive difference as a group. These opportunities include helping at the Drop-in-Centre, helping Samaritans Purse pack up Christmas shoeboxes, packing lunches for hungry children through Brown Bagging it, taking seniors for special lunch excursions, helping at the Kid’s Help phone fundraiser, and many more experiences.

•Family volunteering – we are asking that each student participate in one volunteer experience with their family. As with the other levels, we have many worthwhile and enjoyable experiences lined up. You will be informed of these on a regular basis so that you can decide what works best for you and your family.

We are in the early stages of the volunteer initiative at Rundle College, but we are seeing a lot of enthusiasm and support from students, staff and parents, all of which is very much appreciated. A parent volunteer survey will be coming home shortly and, after seeing your preferences and suggestions, we will finalize the process and communicate how we envision the direction for volunteerism at Rundle College this year.