NSW Department of Education schools develop Student Volunteering and Service Learning activities to allow students to explore local issues of concern and make a difference.
By participating in community volunteering activities, young people have an opportunity to learn and demonstrate care, respect and responsibility.
Volunteering enables students to participate and interact in their community in a positive and meaningful way. The experience develops skills and confidence in communication and team work. Students will be encouraged to talk about their participation in volunteering activities, and to reflect on the impact of their contribution.
Volunteering is relevant to all students in NSW government schools and all levels of ability.
Students are encouraged to participate in a volunteering activity over the period of enrolment in Years 9 and 10. The hours spent participating in a volunteering activity can contribute towards receiving a Premier’s Certificate.
This Award will be a useful inclusion in a young person’s resume, demonstrating to prospective employers that they have a sense of responsibility and a willingness to give selflessly to participate in their community.
Some volunteering activities may be organised as group, class or school projects. However, many students already participate in voluntary community service activities outside of school.
Students involved in voluntary service activities with Scouts or other youth groups, surf lifesaving, sporting teams, assisting parents with Meals on Wheels and many other community oriented tasks like these can be acknowledged through the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition program. Parents can assist by encouraging their child to talk to the school’s Student Volunteering coordinator about the activities they do outside school that may contribute to their Premier’s Certificate.
All students are given the opportunity to participate in volunteering activities both within the school and outside of school.
Within the school students have the opportunity to volunteer their time and skills in a variety of areas including the Tech crew, SRC, dance, drama, music productions and performances, hospitality and Open night to name just a few.
Sylvania High School also has close links with the following outside agencies including:
- Frank Vickery Village- students attend the hostel weekly to volunteer their time to assist with morning tea and morning craft or exercise activities.
- Time 4 Kindy- students attend on a weekly basis to assist staff with the children during their morning activities.
