Supporting students through compassion and good humour

 

Brenda began her volunteering with EdConnect at Dalyellup Primary School in 2016.

She spends time with each student over several years, helping with their transition until they move on to high school. Brenda makes a weekly commitment to her students, supporting them with her compassion, good humour and exciting activities she knows will interest her students.

Throughout her time volunteering, Brenda has developed a positive and nurturing relationship with each student. She supports students in the classroom who may be struggling academically or with disruptive behaviour.

In recent years, Brenda upped her volunteering commitment to volunteer two days a week to support students in year 3 classrooms, which demonstrates her generous spirit. She is recognised and loved by her students, who always take the opportunity to chat with Brenda, racing across the playground to say hello.

Brenda works with teacher Michelle Vos who talks about the amazing difference she makes.

“Her enthusiasm, sense of fun and responsibility to all the students makes a huge difference in our classrooms. Brenda is willing to interact and spend time in any way she is needed. Her day might involve supporting individual students with their learning, playing games, assisting students with a brain break, allowing kids to connect and chat when needed, creating art, working in the school Eco Garden, taking important class photos…….and the list goes on.”

Area Manager Karen Barden talks to the individual Brenda is.

“Brenda cares about the students she works with. The students benefit from Brenda’s support as they are able to complete more school work and learn and retain information due to the one-on-one support she provides,” said Karen.

“The teachers she works with also benefit as, when Brenda takes some children aside, some of the behavioural issues are reduced. The teacher can concentrate on the majority of students rather than the few who need individual help,” she said.

Discussing the impact Brenda makes, Michelle Vos says,

“For the teachers in the year three classrooms, Brenda days are always better days! Brenda is a valued and respected volunteer at Dalyellup Primary School. We feel incredibly lucky to have Brenda play such a vital role in our school, and the students really look forward to the days when she is assisting in so many ways. Above all, Brenda’s kindness, wisdom and nurturing instinct allows her to develop positive relationships with all the students she interacts with. The teachers in Year three feel particularly lucky to have Brenda’s support with our students two days of every week. Bit like a lotto win for education.”

In 2024, Brenda was nominated for South West Volunteer of the Year. We wish Brenda all the best.

For more information on our volunteering program click here, email edconnect@edconnect.org.au or call 1800 668 550.