During Student Volunteer Week our TGC communications committee aimed to raise awareness of students in our school community who give back in our community and encourage others to connect. We hope you enjoyed the facebook campaign #SVW2021 #givegrowconnect

There are a wide variety of volunteer options available for students; from short-term to long-term, with varying degrees of time commitment necessary depending on the role. We understand that your time is valuable and every little bits helps.

It is important that you consider volunteering in an area that you are passionate about, that challenges you, and that will provide you with the experience you are seeking.

Most employers view experience in volunteering as an asset when looking for potential employees. So not only will volunteering look great on your CV and help you to stand out when job-hunting, it could also provide an opportunity to get a reference from the organisation to prove to employers that you are hard-working and passionate about what you do. Some specific volunteering roles also can contribute to your study.

Volunteering also provides you with great enriching experiences that can help you to grow your skills, and of course have fun! 

Student Volunteer Week (SVW) is a national campaign celebrating students making a change in their communities, and connecting young people with opportunities to get involved with volunteering. Check out the profiles of students in our own kura.

Year 9 student Skylar Sargisson volunteers for St John Ambulance through their cadet programme. She loves the practical life skills it has taught her to cope in different situations. If you want to join, you can come along to the St John building by the Historic Village on Wednesdays at 6pm.

Year 10 students Starr Williams and Anthea Narayan volunteer in their church community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gate Pā. They got involved through their youth group and love being able to give back in a number of different ways. 

Year 11 student Charlotte Wilde volunteers for Tauranga RDA Equestrian Therapy Centre. She enjoys giving back and being involved in this inclusive environment.

Year 12 Batten student Ruby Walford volunteers fortnightly at the SPCA Tauranga Centre working with the cats. Ruby applied for a volunteering role through the SPCA website last year and started volunteering during the summer holidays.

Year 13 student Lola Vahey-Bourne volunteers weekly for Tauranga parkrun, a free organised 5km timed event to race against yourself and others. She takes on roles as a marshall and timekeeper. What started as service for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has grown in to a way to connect and get involved in her community.