What does it mean to Belong to a Community Nursery School?

Elmira Community Nursery School is a not-for-profit organization that relies and depends on the participation and sharing of responsibilities by all families. As a parent, you are an important part of our school. We love having parent volunteers in our classroom, participating on our Board of Directors as an Executive or Committee Member, and helping us with special projects that benefit your children’s experience in our program. We also love guest speakers whose special talents, skills or professional experiences are so exciting for us to learn about.

A little more about our Board of Directors and Committee Leads

As a non-profit organization, our school relies on our volunteer Board of Directors and Committee Members, along with our staff to guide the direction of our school and support new initiatives. Being a part of this team is a wonderful way to get involved in your child’s early learning experience as well as build into the future of our school. We value the support of our families and ask you to thoughtfully consider how you can participate. Without a Board of Directors, our school simply cannot operate. Please don’t let lack of experience or expertise stop you from contributing. We value your interest and are happy to provide support and training as you learn more about your role. As an added bonus, this experience can also help you build your career resume.

A few descriptions that clarify what it means to belong to our school:

Volunteering in the Classroom  ·       Assist the Educators in the classroom 1-2 times per month during your child’s scheduled class time; this includes set up/clean-up of the classroom (e.g. paints, snacks, etc.), active participation & engaging with children

·       Required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check, complete Volunteer Health Form as required by the Region of Waterloo as well as Online Anaphylaxis Training
All Parents ·       Opportunities to participate on the Board of Directors

·       Fundraise

·       Attend and transport their own child to and from field trips

·       Support the Nursery School with expertise
 Board of Directors ·       As a not-for-profit organization we require a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors meets monthly to help with governance and support long term vision planning.

·       The Executive Board of Director Positions are voting members and are required to attend all meetings
Event Opportunities Parents/Guardians run a number of events each year for children and their families. Here are a few examples of events that we run in a typical year:

·       September/October: Fall Event to meet other families

·       November/December: Santa Claus Parade

·       January/February: Winter Party

·       April: Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

·       June: Year-End Celebrations
Fundraising Opportunities We hold approximately six fundraisers each year. Volunteers are needed to receive fundraising products and distribute to those who have participated.

Here are some examples of our past fundraisers:

·       September/October: Macmillans & Lady Glaze Donuts

·       November: Poinsettias & Riverside Market with Santa Photos

·       January: Bingo at Lions Hall

·       March/April: Pansies & Class Photos

·       May: Harriston Packing Co

Ongoing:  Mabel’s Labels and Scholastic Books