Scotch College

Scotch Parents’ Association
Services
Social Services: Social Services Auxiliary

BACKGROUND

This Auxiliary supports the broad Social Service activities of Scotch boys. Social Service is offered to boys in Year 11 and 12 as an option for their services program. Over 250 boys are involved in many activities both on campus including assisting staff in clubs such as, Christian Movement and Amnesty International. and off campus activities including helping in organizations such as Red Cross Opportunity Shops,, Vision Australia, ,Very Special Kids, homework tutoring for refugee students and various primary school after care programs. They also help and provide companionship in several Nursing Homes – in some cases just sharing a cup of tea or a game of carpet bowls. In recent years the number of placements off campus has increased and boys are now given the opportunity to find their own placements.

The principle underlying these activities is one of community awareness and care for those in need. Parents frequently comment on how much their sons have benefited through their involvement.

The Auxiliary is not limited to parents of senior boys. We welcome and encourage participation from all Scotch parents. This is a rewarding opportunity to give to the School, the boys and the community at large. We particularly encourage Year 7 parents to become involved, as it is a wonderful way of getting to know more about the running of the School and for meeting a new group of parents.

Main Activities

Off Campus Placements: The Auxiliary assists in locating suitable off campus social service activities.

Transportation: The Teaching staff does the bulk of the Thursday driving of boys to their placements ,but there are a small number of boys who are driven by volunteers (usually parents). The Auxiliary organises a driving roster made up of volunteers who drive the boys to their various venues. All venues are within a close radius of the School so the time requirement is only about half an hour once or twice a term. The boys make their own way home We are always in need of drivers.

Fund Raising: Various fundraisers are held during the year. All money raised is distributed to child and youth focused charities. Since 2003 we have sponsored Julia, a 10-year-old East Timorese girl and Junior, a 13-year-old boy from Papua New Guinea. Since 2007 we have supported the Chances programs through ForChildren ;Southern Chances and Chances to Shine , which provide scholarships for disadvantaged children, and young adults with special talents to assist them achieve their potential. In 2009 with the financial support of the Swap Shop we have assisted Yiyili Aboriginal Community School with their Reading Recovery Program and uniforms for their sports teams.

Major Events

Family Day Cake Stall: This is our main fundraiser for the year. Many parents donate cakes and give a helping hand during the day. Everyone is welcome and it is a lot of fun. Many friendships have been formed or renewed on cake stall day.

Drivers Gathering: At the end of Term 3 each year we hold a thank you cocktail party which is well attended by our volunteers and Auxiliary members enabling them to meet and enjoy an evening together.

How to get involved

Contact the President of the Social Service Auxiliary as listed in this booklet or the Torch Newsletter or through the School.

Tick the box on the Expression of Interest Form to register interest and receive information by email.Social Services Auxiliary 2011