Volunteers are a valued and integral part of our school program and enable teachers to enhance the teaching and learning process.
Volunteer Ethics
The following code of ethics shall apply to all volunteers at Deer Run School. The volunteer:
- Must be discreet. Volunteers should refrain from discussing children, parents or school staff.
- Respects the professional role and judgment of the teacher.
- Refers any discipline problems to the teacher in charge.
- Must complete an annual registration form and have a current CBE security clearance
Volunteer Opportunities
Between Generations
The Between Generations mentorship program pairs students with a volunteer for weekly visits, games, cooking and over-all relationship building. The match continues for the entirety of the student’s years at Deer Run and has proven very successful in helping children navigate what can be a confusing world.
Reading Grandparents
Our good friend, Marnie, co-ordinates 10 senior citizens who volunteer their time every week to read with all of our students in grades 1, 2 and 3. If you can ever arrange a visit on a Thursday morning to see our reading reading with these kind adults, it’s well worth the visit! The reading practice is invaluable, but the positive relationships that are built along the way also have a huge impact on students’ school lives.
Calgary Reads
Our partnership with the Calgary Reads Association provides 7 trained volunteers to read either with identified grade 2 students twice weekly, or with early readers on a weekly basis. Calgary Reads has a proven track record for improving student reading skills and over the past number of years working with us, has had a tremendous positive impact on student reading.
Breakfast Program
Through the generous fund-raising efforts of one individual, money is donated to the school to provide a nutritious breakfast for any student feeling the need for a bit extra on any given morning. Parents volunteer to supervise our grade 5 and 6 student volunteers - who pretty much run the show!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
A nutritious lunch is always available for students who may have forgotten their lunch or just might need a little extra. Sandwiches, fruit, vegies and a drink are put together by either the parent volunteer at the Breakfast Program, or by a staff member.
Deer Run Depot
Mrs. Mericle has worked tirelessly to put together a little “warehouse” of items including snacks, clothing, mitts, school supplies etc. We thank her and all of the generous donators she has been able to solicit and we are grateful that no student has to do without.
Milk Program
The Brakeman Foundation contacted us last year to make arrangements for milk delivery for students in our lunch program. Their donation includes a fridge and regular deliveries every Thursday. At lunchtime, students are welcome to enjoy a carton of fresh, cold, nutritious milk.
Cobs Bread
Volunteers from Deer Park United Church see to it that every Thursday we receive donations of Cobs bread and grade 6 students volunteer to bag the bread and help distribute it by grade. If your child brings home bread, keep in mind that Cobs does not use preservatives in their products, so the bread needs to be stored in the refrigerator.
Library Program
Thanks to Mrs. Grady, our Library Assistant, we have a strong core of volunteers who work diligently to assist with shelving books, decorating bulletin boards, assisting students on finding just the right book and keeping our library a welcoming and calming workspace.
SaturPLAY
Staff members volunteer at the school on Saturdays to set up and run our family breakfast and co-operative games morning. The 2 events we had in October saw over 150 people building relationships with their neighbours by socializing, playing and laughing together