Friday May 14 was a teacher only day for the students at Dunstan High School but 50 of the students decided to sign up and volunteer their time to support local organisations through a partnership between the school and Volunteer South - Central Lakes. 

The idea came about last year when teacher Keri Barnett thought that the teacher only day off would be an ideal opportunity to involve students in local community organisations as a way of students becoming more integrated with the community and connecting with new people and new activities. 

“We had just finished establishing a new Service Committee and had been working with the Kirsty and Gillian at Volunteer South when I put the idea to them to try a day of volunteering on the next teacher only day,” says Keri. 

“The first day was a great success, so this year when I asked Kirsty if Volunteer South would be keen to coordinate activities again they jumped at the chance. 

“We opened it up to the wider school and had 50 students volunteer 150 around hours of their time and energy. The feedback so far is very positive and we are thrilled with the outcome.”

Volunteer South - Central Lakes, who promote and support volunteering in the area, were brought on board to coordinate connections and to ensure the volunteering would be safe, meaningful and appropriate for the young volunteers. 

After making a few tweaks to the processes from last year, they had 10 organisations sign up, keen to welcome students and provide them with an introduction to volunteering within their organisation.

Roles included delivering the Kapa Kaka programme to Millers Flat School and Roxburgh Area School with CO REAP, fundraising and organisational support with the Salvation Army, environmental beautification with Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful and Community Pa Harakeke and assisting with activities at Ranui Enliven Care Home and The Good Life.

Brooke Williams (17) and Cuillian Barnes (15) volunteered their time. 

They also helped with bird care alongside Avian Rescue and Parrot Sanctuary and baking for The Cancer Society.

The team from Volunteer South - Central Lakes visited volunteers on the day to see what their experience was like.

“Gillian and I spent the day visiting volunteers on site and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm of everyone involved and to hear about why they signed up and what their experiences were like,” says Kirsty, Connections Coordinator with Volunteer South - Central Lakes.

“It’s such a great way for students to dip their toes into volunteering and give it a go without having to make a huge commitment.

“Some do it with friends and others sign up and get to hang out with new people for the day.  

“Organisations get fresh new volunteers supporting them, students get to do something productive with their day off and try something new and everyone gets to connect with new people. It’s a win win all round.”

Pauline McAlpine is the coordinator of Community Pa Harakeke, a local group that propagates flax for weaving. Pauline had three students, Isla (15), Leon (15) and Olivia (13) helping her for three chilly hours and was very happy with the experience.

“It’s been fabulous, amazing. The kids have been incredible and are three of the hardest working volunteers I’ve had.” says Pauline.

Volunteer Isla said of the experience “It’s definitely been worth signing up. I’ve done heaps at Ranui where I helped last year and have carried on since. It’s just good to help out!”

“I’ve enjoyed doing something outside, I haven’t done much volunteering before but it feels good to do something for the community,” says Olivia.  

Leon, who has volunteered at primary school planting and also with Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful also really enjoyed the morning saying it was “much better than sitting on the couch at home!” 

Pauline McAlpine, Leon Morris, Isla Nelson and Oliver Lambeth helped with Community Pa Harakeke. 

Briar (15) and Tasia (16) signed up to volunteer together and were connected with The Good Life Group who supported young people with intellectual disabilities in Alexandra. 

“It's nice to help out the community and we didn’t want to just waste the day away,” they said.

“It’s a good cause and we're really interested in people so it’s great fun.”

Some students volunteered during the last teacher only day and wanted to get involved again as a result of their positive experience. 

Robert (15) was helping with the Red Shield Appeal raising funds for Salvation Army. 

“I volunteered at the Salvation Army last teacher only day, helping with their community gardens and felt appreciated so was happy to sign up and support them again,” he says. 

“It’s encouraged me to think about doing more, it’s been cold but still good and people have been really generous.”

The day was so successful Keri, Kirsty and Gillian now hope it will become a regular feature on the Dunstan High School calendar with volunteer connections being offered on future teacher only days and are planning to approach other schools to offer similar opportunities.

Volunteer South - Central Lakes supports, promotes and strengthens volunteering creating stronger more connected communities. 

For more information contact them on [email protected] or call Gillian on 027 506 5705.

Photos courtesy Volunteer South - Central Lakes. 

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