There are many school programs that require parent/caregiver volunteers, with varying levels of commitment and times of day. Please consider helping your school, while connecting with other parents and the rest of the John English community.
Here are some events that you can get involved in.
Scholastic Book Fair
John English hosts a yearly Scholastic Book Fair. This year it will be held November, 10-14, 2025. We are seeking volunteers to help with set up, take down, as well as working at the Book Fair between the dates . If you are interested in volunteering please contact Kendall Franklin at KFranklin87@hotmail.com.
Parent Safety (Kiss & Ride) Program Volunteers
Parents: we are looking for volunteers to assist with our Kiss and Ride program in the morning. We need assistance guiding cars through the Kiss and Ride parking lot as well as with setting out and collecting pylons and sign-boards in the no-parking areas in front of the school. If you are available from 9:00 to 9:35 a.m. once a week please contact Ms. Meddick (lola.meddick@tdsb.on.ca) at the school to inform her of your availability.
Recess Equipment Spring Set-up
We need volunteers to come in for about half a day in the springtime (during the week following March break) to help inflate balls and organize recess play equipment. Please contact Ms. Scarano (marie.scarano@tdsb.on.ca) to indicate your interest and availability.
Pizza Lunch
If you are able to assist with this once a month special lunch day, please contact PizzaDay@johnenglish.ca. This is usually (but not always) the last Friday of the month from approximately 11am until 1pm. Your completed Police Records Check is required for this event.
School Council Events
SAC hosts a number of community & fundraising events during the year, and so we are always looking for help with these events:
- Lost & Found (year-round)
- Community Fair (~October)
- Winter Wear Swap (~November)
- Fresh from the Farm (~November)
- Community Fair (~November)
- Student Career Fair (~December)
- John English At the Marlies (~February)
- Movie Night & Basket Raffle (~May)
- Spring Flower Baskets (~Feb-May)
- Staff Appreciation Breakfast (~June)
- Dance Party (~June)
Please reach out to SACinfo@johnenglish.ca if you are interested in helping out with, or want to know more about any of the above.
How to Become a Volunteer
STEP 1: Obtain a Police Reference Check for Volunteers
Parents and community members over the age of 18 who wish to volunteer in the school must complete a Police Record Check (which includes a vulnerable sector check) and be cleared before they can participate in activities with students. This process ensures that schools and classrooms are safe places for students.
Parents who wish to help supervise children on a field trip, serve as a speaker in the classroom, help with pizza lunch, assist the scientist in school, act as a volunteer driver for sports events or any other activities involving students or taking place in the school, MUST have a police record check to be able to volunteer. Refer to TDSB Operational Procedure PR747: Police Record Check for more information.
The school principal can provide support with the Police Reference Check process. Here are the steps of going through the police record check for new and returning volunteers:
First time volunteers:
Follow this PDF on how to complete the online form. Please note, paper forms are no longer accepted.
TDSB has been given a unique code that applicants will be required to use:
The code is: 202309TPSOND7EFC
The new weblink for ONLINE application is:
https://www.tps.ca/services/police-record-checks/
Please ensure to OPT TO SHARE the results with the TDSB when submitting the application. If you opt to share, the results will be sent directly to the TDSB.
Note: If you do not opt to share the results with TDSB, you are responsible for ensuring that the TDSB’s Police Reference Check office receives a copy of the results via email at PoliceReferenceCheckOffice@tdsb.on.ca
Once you receive your reference check, email a copy along with the password to the John English JMS Office Staff Claude.Zesseu@tdsb.on.ca (Vice Principal) and Kelly.Johnson@tdsb.on.ca (Office Admin).
Returning volunteers- Annual Offense Declaration:
- Check in with the Office Staff every year after the reference check has been processed to give an annual offence declaration (no cost).
We encourage all parents to undergo a Police Record Check. This way you will be ready to volunteer whenever you have time and the right opportunity arises!
More on police reference checks for volunteers from the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Police Service.
Step 2: Choose a Volunteer Opportunity or Respond to Need for Volunteers in the Principals Weekly Bulletins and School Council Newsletters
Parent Safety Program Volunteers
Parents, we are looking for volunteers to assist with our Kiss and Ride program in the morning. We need assistance guiding cars through the Kiss and Ride parking lot as well as with setting out and collecting) pylons and sign-boards in the no-parking areas in front of the school. If you are available from 9:00 to 9:35 a.m. once a week please contact Ms. Meddick (lola.meddick@tdsb.on.ca) at the school to inform her of your availability.
Recess Equipment Spring Set-up
We need volunteers to come in for about half a day in the springtime (during the week following March break) to help inflate balls and organize recess play equipment. Please contact Ms. Scarano (marie.scarano@tdsb.on.ca) to indicate your interest and availability.
Scholastic Book Fair
John English hosts a yearly Scholastic Book Fair. This year it will be held November, 10-14, 2025. We are seeking volunteers to help with set up, take down, as well as working at the Book Fair between the dates . If you are interested in volunteering please contact INFO TO COME.
Pizza Lunch
If you are able to assist with this once a month special lunch day, please contact PizzaDay@johnenglish.ca. This is usually (but not always) the last Friday of the month from approximately 11am until 1pm. Your completed Police Records Check is required for this event.
School Council Events
SAC hosts a number of special events and plans fundraisers during the year, and so we are always looking for help with these events:
- Lost & Found (year-round)
- Community Fair (~October)
- Winter Wear Swap (~November)
- Fresh from the Farm (~November)
- Community Fair (~November)
- Student Career Fair (~December)
- John English At the Marlies (~February)
- Movie Night & Basket Raffle (~May)
- Spring Flower Baskets (~Feb-May)
- Staff Appreciation Breakfast (~June)
- Dance Party (~June)
Please reach out to SACinfo@johnenglish.ca if you are interested in helping out with, or want to know more about any of the above.
Step 3: Complete the Volunteer Signup Form
Add your name to this general VOLUNTEER LIST and we will send you volunteer requests as they arise.
THANK YOU!!
John English JMS School Council (SAC) 