Dear Parent/Guardian:
Your child has been chosen to participate in the In-School Mentoring program offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin & District from September 2024 – April 2025. Your child’s teacher, principal or the child and youth worker at the school believes that your son or daughter could benefit from this program.
This program has the potential to benefit your child in a number of ways. Depending on the child these may include increased self-esteem, increased self-confidence and an increased overall interest in school. Please find an overview of the program attached to this package. As well as the overview, we have attached a parent consent form and questionnaire. Please complete and return these two forms as soon as possible so we can match your child with a mentor.
We are confident your child will enjoy their experience with our In-School Mentoring Program. If you have any questions, please call our office at 519-941-6431 or email kaleigh.watson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Sincerely,
Kaleigh Watson, Caseworker Nancy Stallmach, Executive Director
kaleigh.watson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca nancy.stallmach@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Funded in part by
In-School Mentoring Program
How long has this program been in Dufferin?
Big Brothers Big Sisters began the In-School Mentoring Program in partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board in 1997 and the Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board in 1999. Currently, hundreds of children have participated in a one-to-one friendship with a carefully screened, caring adult or student mentor.
Who are the Mentors?
Sometimes the mentors are adult volunteers from the community, other times they are high school or college students fulfilling their practicum with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin & District.
How do they become Mentors?
Mentors are required to undergo the following process in order to be part of the program:
| · Completion of an application form
· Provide three references including family, employment and personal · Criminal police check and vulnerable sectors check · Personal interview by a Big Brothers Big Sisters caseworker · Completion of pre-match training · Review of agency orientation and policies |
What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of the program is for the child to establish a positive relationship with an older, caring individual. It is through these connections that a child’s level of self-esteem, motivation and overall interest in school will potentially be enhanced. The child’s mentor acts as an advocate to encourage life-long learning. Outcome studies have shown that children involved in mentoring programs are more likely to graduate from school and have strengthened social skills and increased motivation.
Objectives of the Program:
- To motivate the children physically, intellectually and socially in a school setting;
- To increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-confidence that may then translate into a more rewarding classroom experience;
- To provide a fulfilling volunteer opportunity for a caring, qualified Mentor.
When does my child meet with a mentor and what do they do in this time?
The mentor will meet with a child (the mentee) for approximately one hour once a week during school hours. Activities are chosen that will promote relationships between Mentors and Mentees. Examples include reading, drawing, playing games, making crafts, building, and just talking and getting to know each other.
What is my role?
Parents/Guardians are required to complete the consent form and questionnaire in order for their child to participate in the program. Feel free to contact Big Brothers Big Sisters staff with any concerns or inquiries regarding your child’s participation in the program.