Dear Princess Margaret Volunteers and Potential Volunteers,

First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful for all that you do for our school community. Whether you currently volunteer or are considering volunteering, your time, energy, and support make a tremendous difference for our students and staff.

You may be aware that the Ministry of Education now requires Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC)  to be renewed every five years for school volunteers and all staff. Previously volunteers and staff completed a VSC and then signed an offense declaration each year. 

If you have completed a Vulnerable Sector Check since September 2023, you may continue volunteering at Princess Margaret Public School. You will, however, need to sign an updated Volunteer Agreement. We will be working to send these agreements home over the next few days. You may also come in and sign them in our office if you prefer. 

If your Vulnerable Sector Check was completed before September 2023, you will be required to obtain a new Vulnerable Sector Check if you wish to continue volunteering at Princess Margaret Public School.

Examples of volunteer activities include:

• Assisting with our Breakfast Program

• Supporting our Snack Bin Program

• Serving on School Council or helping at School Council events

• Reading with students

• Volunteering on classroom or school trips

• Supporting special school events and activities

All volunteers are required to have a current Vulnerable Sector Check and a signed Volunteer Agreement on file.

The police require a specific letter from the school outlining the nature of your volunteer responsibilities before they can process a Vulnerable Sector Check application. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the school office and we will provide the necessary documentation to begin the process.

Over the coming days, we will be reaching out to volunteers who require an updated Vulnerable Sector Check. Once you receive the letter from the school, you can begin the application process online. Please note that the OPP now requires Vulnerable Sector Check applications to be completed online rather than in person.

If you have a Vulnerable Sector Check that was completed after September 2023, you will be asked to sign an annual declaration confirming that you have remained free of any criminal charges or convictions that would affect your eligibility to volunteer. We will be working to send these declarations home over the next few days. You may also come in and sign them in our office if you prefer. 

Thank you for your patience as we work through these changes. The volunteer requirements have recently changed at the school, board, and provincial levels, and we appreciate your understanding as we implement these updated procedures.

We remain incredibly thankful for our volunteers and sincerely hope that you will continue to support our students and school community. Volunteers are a valued part of Princess Margaret Public School, and we could not do this work without you.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

Andrea Papavasiliou

Principal

Princess Margaret Public School