[EBKatie]

Working parents aren't always able to contribute to school life in the traditional ways, but there are other avenues.

The Working Parents Go Beyond the Tuckshop article shares one working mother's experience and how she thought of different ways to get involved at her child's school.

How do you contribute to your child's school? Are any of your professional skills put to use?

[mrsjessop]

I try and do something in the classroom at least once a term, eg, reading groups, swimming help etc. I schedule a morning off work just for this purpose and book it in early. I have also been on various committees in the past. They just drive me nuts though, ie, sitting through interminable meetings after a full day at work.

Lately I have been doing my bit to help the band teacher by spending half an hour or so with her before school/work just doing her shredding or photocopying or whatever. This is to make up for not taking my turn on the band supervision roster which is at a really inconvenient time. The band is a parent run program so we are all expected to do our bit. Also do shifts on fete stalls and that type of thing.

IN the past, I have offered to help with accompanying children take the train into the city for an excursion (as I work in the city so it just means going in to work a little later). Generally I am pretty good at kid herding (have experience as a high school teacher) so that would be my preference if I could make the hours suit.

Don't do enough with the high schooler. Tossing up between uniform shop (which might just embarrass her) and P&C (not sure I could stand it). Don't seem to be as many options for volunteering at high school. I did do a shift on a stall at her school fete last year but that is about it, I think.

This post has been edited by mrsjessop: 08/02/2012, 10:22 AM

[MadamFrou-Frou]

To be honest I think it will mainly be financial help and the occasional weekend working bee until my youngest is in school. I am happy to help read but I don't know that having a 2yr old with me will be fair to the school kids.

[roses99]

I have put my name down to help out for two hours every Tuesday morning.

My 18 month old comes with me, but that works out well since it's a Prep classroom and she just finds some puzzles to play with.

I think it has two main benefits; I'm supporting the teacher/school and I get to see my son in his school environment, the kids he's playing with, how he interacts with others etc.

[=R2=]

I do reading, maths and science groups, swimming spotting and helping out in my daughter's Prep room + excursions etc.

I'm at the school about 2 hours a week doing some or all of the above. I work shift work which makes it easy for me to fit things in. I'm also a midwife so I actually hope my professional skills are not put to use .

[joolz]

I work full time, but Im trying to do my hours so I get every second Friday off.
Last week I went in to school to help cut up and distribute the fruit platters for the classes.
Ive volunteered to help out at the school fete, on both of my children's stalls for an hour each on the night.
I'd like to do a bit more with both of my kid's classes - Prep and Grade 4.
Hopefully I can as the year progresses.
Id like to do more, like reading groups etc, but I just cant fit it in with work.
Im a nurse - so dont really want to put any of those skills to use, lol!
Cheers,
Julia.

[lizzzard]

My DD just started school this year. I work full time and don't have time to really do anything...however my retired kindy-teacher mum more than makes up for my poor contribution - she does reading groups every day (I love you Mum!!)

[**Mel**]

I work FT - as a high school teacher.

A few years ago I heard a rumour that a local high school was amalgamating with its closest primary school. This year it happened - and I got a position in the high school campus.

I had kept my eye on it as I figured if I had to work FT (which I do) then if DD went to school at the same place, I might be able to spend some time in her classroom every now and then.

Some other things have fallen into place re housing and we had to work through a few other decisions. But at this stage, DD will start at 'my school' in 2014 (but, she is currently in the attached ccc anyway).

I am a school leader, so have a bit more flexibility in my day to do reading or canteen at the junior campus than other teachers would have.

Its one of the deciding factors in us staying in this area

Not sure how I would have figured it out otherwise.

As for my contribution - as an educator, they will love having me!

[howdo]

I have found it too difficult. I did some classroom volunteer work one year for DS's class but the teacher did NOT appreciate my professional skills.

That kind of annoyed me actually.

I was the soccer coordinator for two years which is after hours but when I began working so far from home I couldn't go to the meetings so couldn't do it.

I'd like to do more, I could be immensely useful, one would think, to my children's primary school ... being a primary school teacher, but ultimately I cannot be there and that is what it is.

[ms flib]

I spent the morning at a school working bee working on the garden today. I have helped out with reading, writing policy, worked at the school fete and I'm currently co-ordinating the yearly art auction. Now I have all 3 kids at school, I have increased my hours and responsibility at work and just started a PhD. I have a full time load as well as 3 kids, an old house and no family here so I'm flat out.

I'd like to do more but I just do what I can.