Parents are encouraged to assist with the program.  We ask that a family member volunteers once a month (duty day).  This enables us to offer very reasonable fees and gives you the opportunity to enjoy working with your child. 

If you are unable to volunteer, you will be charged a non-participating fee of $20 a month.  All duty parents must obtain a Police Security Clearance (available through the school) in order to do duty days.

Police Checks

In accordance with the Ministry of Community and Social Services we have to adhere to a policy requiring that Duty Parents under go a “Police Reference Check”. The intent of this policy is to ensure that persons who are at high risk to harm children, such as those convicted of sexual or violent offences are not placed in positions of trust with children.

The Volunteer/Application Screening Procedure:

1. In your application package you will find 2 REQUEST FOR VULNERABLE SECTOR SCREENING FORMS. Fill out these two forms. As of this year the police department is charging a $15 fee to do this services. Volunteers working for multiple agencies only need to have 1 check done per calendar year. The applicant can then provide this check to many different agencies without having to incur additional fees. If you have a resent screening in your possession you may use it to volunteer at Benjamin Bunny. (processed by Sept. 2004) Returning students need not reapply.

2. Along with the two forms you must take two pieces of ID ( one with Photo) to the records dept. at Hamilton Wentworth Police at; 155 King William St. in Hamilton. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am. - 6 pm. Sat. 8 am. - 11am. Phone # 546-4767

The forms take a minimum of 30 days to process, after which they must be picked up at the police station within 60 days or they are discarded and you must re-apply. When you pick up your form you must show the same two pieces of ID as used previously.

The results of the check are the sole property of the applicant and may be shared with the school voluntarily.

Please deliver the form to the school. The form will be verified and then returned to you after you has signed off on the document. Forms maybe return to the school anytime before the school year ends on June the 17th or on Mon Aug. 29, Tues Aug. 30 and Wed. Aug. 31 from 10am until 2 pm.

* Only parents with consent forms will be allowed to perform Duty days and drive on school trips.

** Parents not wishing to undergo the screening process are welcome to pay the $20. monthly duty fee or find an alternative person (one holding a consent form) to do your Duty day .