At SMJ we strive at all times to be welcoming and encourage parents and caregivers to use their gifts and talents to contribute to the life of the school. Following are some of the opportunities to become involved in the Ss Michael and John’s school community:

School Advisory Council

The school advisory council meets once every second term. This group supports and advises the Principal and the Leadership Team in setting the strategic direction of the school.

Classroom Helpers Program

There are a number of ways you can help out in the classroom. For example, volunteering weekly to help with literacy or numeracy activities. Notes are sent home from teachers requesting parent availability when the program commences. All volunteers MUST have a working with childrens check prior to assisting in the classroom.

Attending School Events

Participating in school events is a great way to be involved in the SMJ community. Some of the activities held regularly are:

– Each class is scheduled for two assemblies per year. These showcase the work students have been completing in class. Assembly is held every Friday at 8.55am in the Parish Centre.

– School Mass: Families are encouraged to attend School Masses celebrating important days in our Catholic tradition.

– Learning community liturgies: Each learning community holds a prayer liturgy throughout the year. Families are invited to attend and participate in the service with their children.

Community4

Community4 is the SMJ parental community group. Its purpose is to distribute the responsibility and involvement of parents in areas of fundraising, faith development, social events (fun) and supporting parents (family) in our school community whilst making connections to the Horsham community.

Each of these areas are linked to the house that your child/children belong, the school holds a series of Community 4 planning meetings early in each school year. There will be one meeting for Community 4 group: Faith, Fun, Family & Fundraising.

It is expected that at least one parent representative from each family in the school community attend the meeting for the group they are allocated. An information letter is sent out each year to families detailing what Community 4 area you are allocated to for the year and meeting dates.

Other Opportunities

There are many opportunities throughout the year to assist with school activities such as cooking BBQ’s, serving lunches, meals on wheels involvement and one off event assistance such as the biannual School Festival and annual Fun Run. Requests for assistance for these events and activities will be placed in the newsletter or on the parents Facebook page.

Working with Children Checks

It is a School Policy that any volunteer within our school has a current working with children check. If you could please ‘add’ our school to your current card as a volunteer (Ss Michael and John’s Primary School) OR bring in your card and we can take a copy. If you don’t have a WWCC, its easy and free to apply at http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/.