When Hands are Few, Hearts Work Harder:

Why Volunteer Support is Critical

Dear CNG Families,

Our school community has always worked together to give students as many rich learning experiences as possible. Children's school experiences help them grow, dream, and feel a sense of belonging. At a time when many families face financial pressures, these experiences matter deeply. They provide access to opportunities that every child deserves. 

As your school principal, I want to reflect warmly and candidly about how a shortage of volunteers is affecting our school, particularly  

A Heartfelt Thank you 

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers we have. At a time when our staffing levels are already stretched and student needs continue to grow, even the smallest contribution can be felt throughout our school. The commitments of our School Council, Parent Association, and the volunteers who have found the time, sometimes under challenging circumstances, is deeply appreciated. Their efforts make a real difference every single day, and I am sincerely thankful. 

A Challenge to Our Programming Needs 

At the same time, the reality is that our volunteer numbers remain very low, and this has significant consequences for students. When we do not have enough volunteers for field trips and events, we have had no choice but to send educational assistants to meet required supervision ratios. While this helps ensure student safety, it comes at a cost. 

When our education assistants leave their classrooms to supervise trips, they are no longer available to support students with students with complex learning needs who rely on them throughout the day. If added casual staff need to be hired for coverage, this cost comes directly from school funds- which otherwise go toward literacy resources, technology, and classroom support. This adds strain on school staff, impacts learning for some of our most vulnerable children, and places extra pressure on school operations and resources. 

We want to offer field trips, but doing so cannot require pulling staff away from the essential supports they provide. 

Fundraising Challenges 

Our Parent Society works diligently to raise additional funds to supplement and enrich student learning experiences, including the cost of field trips. Without volunteers, however, events must be scaled back or cancelled, leading to fewer opportunities to bring in much‑needed resources. Our recent casino fundraiser showed the strain and the power of community: while a small group of dedicated parents volunteered, we ultimately relied on “community angels” who stepped in at the last moment. Without their help, we would have lost the privilege of hosting this fundraiser- an event that provides critical funding for our school, and currently a much-needed playground. 

Supporting Every Child 

I share these realities not to create guilt or pressure. I understand through personal experience that many families are doing the best they can while juggling work, childcare, and financial challenges. Volunteering isn’t possible for everyone, and every family contributes in ways that matter. 

Occasionally, volunteering is possible, and your help makes an enormous difference. Whether it’s supervising a field trip, supporting an event, or helping with our School Council, each volunteer hour protects learning time, strengthens programs, and ensures that our students don’t miss out. 

What can you do? 

Get your Volunteer Clearance- Just in Case 

• Contact our front office staff (email cngunn@cbe.ab.ca) to start the the process of becoming a volunteer. There is no cost for you to have your volunteer clearance completed- and you never know when an opportunity might just be available in your schedule. (You do have to be 18 years of age or older and have no criminal record) 
• Ask extended family members if they are interested in volunteering- perhaps a grandparent or auntie/uncle would have some time.  
• Watch our Weekly for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Your child does not have to attend the field trip, for you to go.  
• Accept the challenge when a volunteer clearance is not required. School Council, Parent Association, and events outside of school hours often do not require volunteer clearance to contribute.  

Our children deserve the full, joyful, and enriching school experience that all students should have. Together, and with whatever support you’re able to offer, we can continue to make that possible. 

With Warm Regards,

Linda Doyle, Principal

Catherine Nichols Gunn School