Volunteers at WSD: Showing Up for Students

The morning begins at King Edward School, where a warm meal is shared through the breakfast program. Across the city at Kent Road School, students receive extra support as they work through their math assignments, and in the afternoons at Churchill High School, the basketball team gathers in the gym to practice for their next game. Across Winnipeg School Division, these everyday moments are supported by volunteers who show up with consistency, care, and a willingness to help.

Coaching Through Commitment and Care

For parents Luke Johnston and Jenna Christoph, volunteering at Churchill High School has become a meaningful part of supporting their children’s school experience. Over the past five years, the couple has stepped in as coaches, helping ensure students can continue to participate and compete in different sports. “If somebody didn’t do this, there wouldn’t be a volleyball team, so we stepped in, and it was great,” recalls Johnston about their first coaching experience.

Throughout their journey, they’ve learned that volunteering is less about having all the answers and more about showing up consistently and creating a positive environment. “A year and a half ago, we were coaching soccer… I had never even played soccer in my life or knew the rules,” says Luke. “But you can watch YouTube videos and learn.”

Working with students, they’ve seen confidence grow and skills develop over time. “The kids really give you a sense of purpose. They really appreciate it,” says Luke.
In those moments, the value of volunteering extends beyond the activity and becomes part of a larger sense of community. Jenna describes it as a “kind of snowball effect of building relationships with these kids,” and season after season, those relationships continue to grow, shaping not only the teams they coach but also the overall school experience for students.

Finding Purpose Through Volunteer Work

Further across the city, in the east end, Colleen Ellis has been volunteering at Kent Road School for over two years, building on more than 20 years of community involvement. Her connection to the school began as support for the breakfast program. “I thought to myself: you know what? I want to do this. And turns out this is where I belonged,” says Ellis. 

From that starting point, her involvement naturally grew, and she now supports students throughout the school day, helping with meals and providing learning support in areas such as reading and math. For Ellis, the most meaningful moments come when students understand something new. “You can see it in their eyes, when they finally get it… it’s all worth it,” she says.

This commitment has also guided her next step, as she’s currently working toward becoming an educational assistant. For her, time at Kent Road School is more than a volunteer role; it is a continued investment in supporting children and being part of their learning journey.

From Student to Role Model

While some volunteer journeys span years, others are just beginning. Kiara Blyth-Azure is at the start of hers. A graduate of the Winnipeg School Division and a current student in the R.B. Russell Culinary Arts program, she spends her days building hands-on skills in the kitchen while continuing her commitment to volunteering at King Edward School.

Kiara balances her studies with giving back, helping in the school kitchen, supporting activities, and taking part in experiences such as a trip to Oak Hammock Marsh with her brother’s class, where she assisted with supervision and student engagement.

Through these experiences, Kiara says she has grown as an individual. “I’ve become more confident speaking up and taking initiative.” She also recognizes that younger students look up to her and feels a responsibility “to be a good role model”—a big part of what keeps her coming back.

Shared Advice: Show Up and Care

Getting started as a volunteer is often simpler than people expect. It begins with being willing to get involved. As Luke puts it, “Just take that first step, and go where there’s a need” reminding that experience is less important than willingness to show up and support students. On her end Jenna, emphasizes that the foundation is caring. “You just have to show up, and care. That’s it.”

For those who feel unsure or nervous, Kiara encourages action over hesitation, saying, “If you’re scared, just go do it because it’ll help you grow too.”

Once involved, being a good volunteer comes down to patience, care, and being a positive presence for students. Colleen highlights this simply, noting that is that patience that allows her to support learners through different challenges.

At the end of the day, volunteering doesn’t require perfection just the courage to begin and the commitment to stay present.

Getting Involved

Volunteering across Winnipeg School Division reflects the strength of community, and the stories of Luke and Jenna, Colleen, and Kiara highlight that impact. To become a volunteer with the Winnipeg School Division start by contacting a WSD school in your community or WSD Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@wsd1.org. to learn about the different roles and responsibilities available. Some screening and training is required for certain roles. Once everything is in place, you are ready to begin supporting students and staff.

Whether it’s cheering on a basketball team, offering words of support, or simply being present when students need it, volunteers help make learning communities stronger every day.