- • Any activity carried out for the welfare of the school at the request of the principal or school council
- • Providing assistance in the work of any school or kindergarten
- • Attending meetings in relation to government schools convened by an organisation which receives government financial support.

This is a broad definition and means that volunteers who participate in school community activities, such as fundraising and assisting with excursions, are legally protected (i.e. indemnified) from action by others in the event of an injury or accident whilst they are performing volunteer school work in good faith.

### Policy

Melba College is committed to implementing and following practices which protect the safety and wellbeing of children and our staff and volunteers. Melba College strives to create an open and inclusive school community, and encourages parents and carers to be actively involved in their child’s development and education. We also strive to foster strong partnerships with local community services, schools and other organisations and recognises the valuable contribution that volunteers provide to our school community.

The procedures set our below are designed to ensure that Melba College’s volunteers are suitable to work with children and are well-placed to make a positive contribution to our school community.

### Becoming a volunteer

Members of our school community who would like to volunteer are encouraged to speak with the Principal or Assistant Principal who will assist them in volunteering at Melba College. In the event that Melba College requires volunteers for specific events, communication with that request will be sent to parent/carers vis Compass and complete the relevant documentation.

### Suitability checks including Working with Children Clearances

#### Working with students

Melba College values that many volunteers that assist with a range of College events throughout the year. To ensure we are meeting our legal obligations under the Worker Screening Act and the Child Safe Standards, Melba College is required to undertake suitability checks which in most cases will involve asking for evidence of Working with Children (WWC) Clearance and may also involve undertaking reference, proof of identity, qualification and work history involving children checks.

Considering our legal obligations, and our commitment to ensuring Melba College is a child safe environment, we will require volunteers to obtain a WWC Clearance and produce their valid card to Administration staff in C Building reception for verification in the following circumstances:

- • Volunteers who are not parent/family members of any student at the school if they are engaged in child-related work regardless of whether they are being supervised
- • Parent/family volunteers who are assisting with any classroom or school activities involving direct contact with children in circumstances where the volunteer’s child is not participating, or does not ordinarily participate in, the activity
- • Parent/family volunteers who assist with excursions (including swimming), camps and similar events, regardless of whether their own child is participating or not.