An Anglican community inspiring every learner every experience every day
To be a leader in Christian education that is characterised by a global vision that inspires hope
We acknowledge the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Barker College, Darkinjung Barker, Ngarralingayil Barker and Dhupuma Barker stand. We pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging of the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu nations and extend that respect to other Indigenous people within the Barker College community.
From the Head of Barker College
Parent volunteers share their skills and time, generously helping others. They foster links in our School and local community.
The School simply could not function without our many volunteers.
One of the many strengths of Barker College is its community. The Barker community is a place where all are valued and where all may thrive. It is characterised by the versality of its members and by its vitality and its vibrancy.
Thank you for the important role that you play in our School community.
Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College
From the Community Liaison Coordinator
Welcome to Barker College! I am delighted to invite you to become part of our vibrant volunteer community.
Volunteering at Barker is a wonderful way to connect with other families, support our students, and contribute meaningfully to the life of the School. There are many ways to get involved—whether it’s helping in the tuckshop, assisting at Saturday BBQs, joining the Parent Prayer Network, supporting our sporting clubs, or lending a hand at special events organised by the BCPA. You might also consider volunteering as a scribe or reader during exams, hosting international students, or supporting our Marri Mittigar school for refugee students. Every contribution, big or small, is valued. Volunteers enjoy coffee on arrival and lunch in the Dining Hall, but more importantly, they experience the joy of community and the satisfaction of making a difference.
We are here to support you every step of the way - from your Working With Children Check to induction and training. Thank you for considering this opportunity. Your time and energy help make Barker the welcoming, inclusive, and thriving place it is.
Fen Tonge Head of Enrolments & Engagement Strategy, P&C Coordinator & Community Liaison
Where can I volunteer my time?
A Barker volunteer is a valued member of the Barker College community who generously contributes their time, skills, and energy to support the School’s mission, programs, and students. Volunteering at Barker is a meaningful way for parents and friends of the School to engage with the community, foster relationships, and enhance the educational experience for all students.
Volunteer Groups and Activities at Barker College
Here are some of the areas where volunteers can get involved:
1. Individual Learning Centre (ILC)Volunteers may assist as scribes or readers for students during exam blocks.
2. Friends of Barker Music (FOBM) - This group supports the vibrant music program at Barker by helping at concerts, event setup, and serving and providing refreshments at key events.
3. Parent Prayer Network - Parents gather each term to pray for the students, staff, and families of Barker College. Meetings are held either at school or in homes, and prayer updates are shared regularly.
4. Tuckshop - Volunteering in the Junior, Middle, or Senior School tuckshops is a popular way to connect with other parents. Many volunteers form lasting friendships through this role.
5. Marri Mittigar Humanitarian School, Hornsby Campus - This is Barker’s special assistance school for children and young people of refugee experience. Volunteers support after-school tutoring, reading, working bees at the School, sourcing resources for the students and supporting catering at school events e.g. end of year Christmas celebration.
6. Darkinjung Barker Indigenous School, Yarramalong Valley - Volunteers may assist with reading and maths groups at Darkinjung Barker and campus working bees.
7. Hosting and Billeting International Students - As part of Barker’s global engagement, parent volunteers can host visiting students from international partner schools, assist with the Round Square events and conferences, offering accommodation and cultural exchange experiences.
8. Barker College Parents’ Association (BCPA) - The BCPA fosters friendship and fundraising through events and initiatives that build the extended Barker community. Volunteers help organise social events and parent engagement activities.
9. Sporting Clubs and Saturday BBQsParents can support the Barker sports clubs by helping cook and serve at their regular Saturday home game BBQs. A list of these groups and their contacts can be found in the Sports Hub on myBarker.
Steps to becoming a volunteer
1. Express Interest
Contact the School directly via community@ barker.nsw.edu.au or your Year Group
Contact Parent. You can also express interest via event sign-up forms or through the Barker College Parents Association (BCPA).
2. Apply for a Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Parents or close relatives volunteering in a school activity or event with their own child or child relative, do not need a WWCC unless the role involves an oversight stay, such as a school camp.
All volunteers in child-facing roles where the contact with Barker College students is more than incidental to the contact, must apply for a Volunteer (Unpaid) WWCC through the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian. You’ll need to:
• Apply online via www.service.nsw.gov. au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-withchildren-check
• Attend an identity verification appointment at a Services NSW Centre
• Submit your WWCC Number and date of birth for recording to Barker via community@barker.nsw.edu.au
Volunteer roles with only indirect contact with Barker College students may be exempt, including volunteers who provide administrative, fundraising roles or manning a BBQ or stall for catering and ticketing.
3.
Attend Induction and Training
You’ll be invited to an induction session that covers:
• Barker’s Code of Conduct Policy which applies to all volunteers
• Child safety training and mandatory reporting
• Role-specific expectations
• WHS and privacy guidelines for volunteers
4. Arrival on Campus
When you arrive to volunteer:
• Sign in at Reception or the designated volunteer station
• Collect your name badge
• Receive any event-specific volunteer briefings or materials
• Enjoy complimentary coffee and lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations for parent volunteers while on campus?
Volunteers are expected to model respectful and inclusive behaviour, follow staff instructions, and maintain confidentiality. Volunteers should avoid engaging in disciplinary actions and defer sensitive matters to staff, including reporting your child safety concerns to a designated staff member, who will forward the report to the Barker College Child Safety Team. Volunteers must also respect the School’s communication guidelines and operate within the bounds of their designated role.
Refer to the Parent Charter. bit.ly/4926HtX
Do I need a Working with Children Check to volunteer at Barker College?
All volunteer roles at Barker require a school verified Working with Children Check.
If you work in the tuckshop or volunteer at our Marri Mittigar School for refugee students, you will to provide a Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC). This is free to apply and obtain.
If your volunteer role requires overnight stays or direct face-to- face contact with Barker students, you may need to provide an Employment Working with Children Check. There is a cost associated with applying for this type of WWC.
If you are unsure if you need a WWCC please seek advice from the Alumni & Community Relations team via community@ barker.nsw.edu.au
How does volunteering benefit parents and the School community?
Volunteering fosters stronger connections between families and the School, builds community spirit, and enhances student experience. Parents often find volunteering rewarding, as it offers opportunities to meet other families and contribute meaningfully.
Are there any policies or safety measures I need to be aware of?
Yes. Volunteers must comply with child safety obligations, the Barker College Code of Conduct which applies to volunteers and covers the mandatory reporting protocols. At induction our volunteers will be informed about complaints and whistleblower protections, privacy guidelines, and workplace health and safety standards. These policies ensure a safe and respectful school environment for all students, staff, and volunteers.
What support is available for volunteers during events?
Volunteers are well-supported during their shifts. Event leads often coordinate logistics and provide guidance, and the School ensures volunteers have access to key contacts and resources.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns while volunteering?
Volunteers are encouraged to report any concerns through appropriate channels, including discussing their concerns early with the Barker staff member in their area. If this is not appropriate then volunteers can lodge a complaint through the concerns@ barker email available on the Barker website. The School also responds to child safety or misconduct disclosures via Whispli, or directly to the People & Culture team.
Additional Information
Child Safety Screening, Requirements and Behaviors
The safety of the children and young people in our school community is paramount. Child safety is embedded in Barker’s leadership and child safe behaviors are expected of every staff member, contractor and volunteer who attends our school and/or interacts with our students. This applies to interactions inside and outside of School grounds and normal operating hours and online environments.
All volunteers can make a child safety report via the Barker Concerns link on the Barker College website. Volunteers can report in good faith and anonymously, instances or allegations of unlawful or unacceptable behaviour occurring either within or outside Barker related to Barker, its staff members, students, other volunteers, contractors, external providers or members of our wider community.
Complaints or feedback concerning Barker Volunteers will be handled in a highly confidential manner by select staff who are trained to manage this type of sensitive information and process with respect for all. Refer to the Whispli Confidential Helpline page on the Barker College website to find out more.
Volunteer Categories
Volunteers are categorised and screened based on their contact with students, as well as the risks associated with volunteer activities.
Volunteers are categorised as Direct Volunteers when volunteer activities bring them into direct contact with children, in a way that is more than incidental to their role and/or the activity itself is considered to carry a high risk of harm, such as an overnight camp.
Volunteers are categorised as Indirect Volunteers when the character, nature and frequency of volunteer activity does not bring them into direct contact with Barker students.
All volunteers and members of Parent Supporter Groups must seek advice from the Alumni & Community Relations team via community@barker.nsw.edu.au if they require direction in child safety for volunteer activities. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Head of Barker College as to how a volunteer activity is categorised and volunteers must follow the requests and direction of Barker College staff and its representatives regarding child safety.
Key Contacts
Deanne Uy
People & Culture
Alumni & Community Relations
Community@barker.nsw.edu.au
HR@barker.nsw.edu.au
Fen Tonge Head of Enrolments & Engagement Strategy Enrolments@barker.nsw.edu.au
Julia West Head of CampusMarri Mittigar
Darkinjung Barker
JWest@barker.nsw.edu.au
Tom Spencer - Head of Indigenous Campuses TSpencer@barker.nsw.edu.au
Natalie Smith Head of Independent Learning Centre JSimpson@barker.nsw.edu.au
