Celebrating our Volunteers

Amy Rose

New to the PCA, Amy Rose recently put her hand up to take over the role of Second-Hand Uniform (SHU) Leader from 2022. Amy’s association with the School has been ongoing for many years, with her stepchildren, Madeline (OM 2010) and Ben (OM 2012), both attending St Michael’s. Amy has fond memories and a strong connection to the School community.

For Amy, the most appealing part of volunteering is the relationships that are made. “It connects me to other likeminded parents who enjoy giving back to their community. Volunteering at SHU also excites me because it is such a fantastic resource for parents to purchase good quality preloved items at reduced prices, and support environmental sustainability initiatives.” Amy believes that the PCA is the mortar holding all the bricks in place, quietly going about getting small jobs done that enable big differences to be made that benefit the entire St Michael's community. “Children need to see that it takes a diverse set of people, and ideas, to bring about change. Any amount of input big or small is welcome and beneficial. The network of Year Level Reps enables the PCA to reach every family so that everyone feels them to feel part of the St Michael's community. “The friendly, nurturing and inclusive spirit that filters down from the top and permeates every small part of the St Michael's community, makes you feel part of something special!” Amy recognises the value that she too gets from giving her time and giving back to something bigger than herself. “I see myself volunteering for a long time. I started young, helping neighbours with their babies and delivering Christmas presents to Nursing Homes, and then in my teenage years, I volunteered at the local hospital delivering flowers to patients. While studying at university, I volunteered with the Multiple Births Association, which was really rewarding too. Outside of St Michael's, Amy keeps busy as a part-time nurse in the Special Care Nursery and also enjoys knitting and crocheting blankets and hats for premature babies.” We're thrilled to have Amy as part of our parent community and look forward to having her lead the SHU service in 2022.

Helen Tzatzakis

Helen Tzatzakis has been involved with the PCA for the better part of the last 6 years. She is currently a Year Level Rep for Year 7 but has also volunteered her time across multiple year levels during her time at St Michael's.

An important role within the PCA, Year Level Reps are often the first point of contact for new parents to the School. “I really enjoy the role of Year Level Rep. I love making sure that new parents get all the right information. Starting at a new school can be very daunting, and we know exactly how to navigate our way through all the information, so passing on this knowledge is certainly of value to newcomers." Helen believes that the PCA is one of the most important support networks at the School and a great way to stay connected. “The PCA brings all the parents and the wider community together. It’s great to collaborate as part of a team and have different opinions put forward. Everyone’s ideas are welcome and this helps the community evolve and makes the School better in the long-term." Beyond providing a service to the School, it's also a great way to meet people and make new friends. "I met one of my best friends at a 4-Year-Old Kindergarten PCA welcome party, so I love that sense of the community.” Helen is an Old Michaelian and is thrilled that her children now attend St Michael’s to continue the tradition and experience the unique community that exists within the School. “It’s lovely to walk through the front gates and feel like you genuinely know the School inside out. Helen believes that volunteering is an important way of contributing to society, and it’s something that she is passionate about. “I had so many great opportunities growing up, so it’s my way of saying thank you and helping to give someone else those same opportunities. My father volunteered for a whole range of Greek regional committees, and I hope that volunteering is something that my children continue to do too." Outside of volunteering as a Year Level Rep, Helen has a keen interest in outdoor activities and has also volunteered on previous School excursions. Helen also has a passion for sport and has been on the committee for the South Melbourne Women’s Soccer Club for the past 5 years as the Treasurer and also volunteers in the canteen. We are grateful to Helen for her ongoing support and commitment to the St Michael's community.