All school volunteers must have a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search on file with the school.
How do I get a Police Records Search?
You may request a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search form and accompanying letter from the school office or classroom teacher.
Is there cost for a Police Records Search?
There is no cost to you if you submit the Police Records Search form with the school letter attached.
Where do I get the Police Records Search?
There are several locations listed on the back of the form.
Do I have to get a Police Records Search each school year?
No. If you have a Police Records Search on file, you will receive a Annual Offence Declaration (AOD) for the calendar year. This must be signed and returned to the school to keep your Police Records Search on file current.
I already have a Police Records Search from another Volunteer position. Do I have to do another?
If the document is dated within six months of submission to the school and it is the ORIGINAL, we will use this document. If the document is dated more than six month earlier or is a photocopy we will not beable to place this document on file as current.
Anyone who has not previously submitted a Police Records Search who is considering volunteering (for activities which may include school trips, coaching, reading program, pizza days, safe arrival program, etc.) is strongly encouraged to apply for a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search as soon as possible to avoid delays.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has the responsibility, under law, to provide a safe and secure working and learning environment for students and employees. The Board is in a position of trust with regard to students and must protect their intellectual, physical, mental, and emotional well being.
It is the responsibility of the Principal, who under the Education Act is in charge of instruction, organization and management of a school to determine what activities volunteers participate in, with which students and in which setting. It is also recognized that principals and teachers have a duty of care to their students. Duty of care is the legal principle which identifies the obligation to exercise reasonable care including the protection from harm. The Criminal Record Check is a step in the Board’s duty of care, should direct and regular contact occur between a volunteer and a student.
All individuals are required to provide an original Criminal Record Check that is satisfactory to the Board prior to the commencement of any duties. The Criminal Record Check must have been executed within the preceding 6 months of receipt and include a vulnerable sector screening.
Anyone wishing to volunteer must bring the two-sided “FORM A - Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search” form, available from the school and a signed Community Organization and Volunteer Authorization Letter from the school confirming the purpose of the search to Peel Regional Police locations listed on the reverse, in person. The applicant MUST attend in person and MUST produce two pieces of government issued identification, one of which must have a photograph. Examples of government issued identification include: Drivers License, Health Card, Passport, Birth Certificate and Citizenship Card.
Please allow up to 6 weeks to process the application.
Once Your Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search is Completed:
Peel Regional Police will return the results to you by mail or in some cases you may wait for processing and pick up at time of application.
A copy certified by a Principal or Designate of the school must be held at the School.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers have an important role to play in educating our children. Students, teachers and volunteers all benefit from volunteer partnerships.
BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS:
· Personal growth and satisfaction
· Make an important contribution
· Respect and appreciation of students and staff
· Skills development
BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:
· Exposure to a wide range of life experiences
· Individual attention and assistance
· Friendship support and encouragement
· Expanded services
BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS:
· More time to spend teaching
· Extra help and support for individuals or groups
· New experiences/skills are brought to the classroom
Lester B. Pearson Catholic Elementary School community has many volunteer positions available; one or several may be right for you! The following are brief descriptions of these opportunities.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL—
Parent and staff members advise the Principal on educational matters, concerns, help fundraising etc. One of the Council’s main goals is to increase communication between home and school. Meetings are held 5 to 6 times a school year in the evening at the school.
ALL STAR READING COACH—
assisting children in learning reading strategies—training will be provided.
SPECIAL EVENTS—
organize and assist with special celebrations such as sacraments, Open House Barbeque, retreats, sporting events, socials—time commitment will be according to the duration of the event, but any pair of hands at any time is helpful..
CLASSROOM ASSISTANT—
assist students with various arts, science and technology projects—if you have an interest or a talent in any of these areas, please indicate your interest and a teacher will be in touch with you.
FUNDRAISING—
to help organize and assist with the school’s yearly fundraising events.
ON CALL VOLUNTEER—
a volunteer will be on a general on-call availability list.