Supporting students through compassion and good humour

 

Volunteer Sam Cattermole has been assisting in a learning support role since October 2022 at Rosewood Downs Primary School in Dandenong North.

Sam talks about her experience volunteering and connecting with the students.

‘I support the preps and grade ones, and help them transition between activities, work one-on-one with students who need more support and work with small groups. I read stories to the class, do reading, writing, and maths with them, and pretty much anything they do on a school day. I even went to their class party at the end of last year, and on an excursion with them to Chesterfield Farm,’ said Sam.

‘There are so many good parts! Walking into school on a Friday and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see me is amazing. I walk into the classroom before school, and the teacher gets the biggest smile on her face, which makes me feel so good. When you work with a student for a while and finally see them improving and getting something they couldn’t do before, it is just the best feeling in the world,’ Sam continued.

“Our EdConnect volunteers, just like Sam, are stepping up to support learning and development outcomes, giving their time through our school-based program to students who are identified as needing that extra support most,” he said.

“Sam is an amazing volunteer, who has been studying psychology and coaching calisthenics for a number of years. This previous experience working with children, and her passion to work with neurodiverse students and students who might be struggling is a tremendous asset in the classroom.”

“In 2023, we had over 950 volunteers, in more than 260 schools and 19,750 students. The impact of our volunteers last year has far exceeded our expectations, and we are on track to smash our goals again in 2024,” he continued.

EdConnect volunteers are drawn from all walks of life, including past educators, professionals, tradespeople, parents and grandparents, or students. Giving their time and the benefit of their lived experience, volunteers share a passion to make a positive difference in young people’s futures.

EdConnect Australia Liaison Officer Melinda Spiteri explains what makes Sam such a great volunteer.

“Sam is a wonderful volunteer and has really become part of the school community. Her time at the school is making a difference to the kids, the teachers and the broader school community,” she said.

“Our volunteers at EdConnect Australia are passionate, driven by the greater good, are the force behind social change and give their time and energy to make a difference in the community,” said Melinda.

Hundreds of volunteers across Victoria are giving their time and support to assist young people in their local communities. To become an EdConnect Australia volunteer and help equip young people with the life skills they need to succeed contact edconnect@edconnect.org.au or call 1800 668 550.