Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do I find school policies?
VWS policies and protocols are accessed through the parent portal, BigSIS. To do this:
Login to the portal here vws.bigsis.com/portal (contact the VWS Accounting Office for any issues with login).
Select the Parent tab at the top.
Select the Documents page at the side.
Scroll through the documents, sort by Title or Document Type or use the Search box in the top right to locate the topic you need.
How do I join the Parent Committee?
Please email vwspac@gmail.com if you have interest in volunteering for Parent Committee.
How do I get my Criminal Record Check for volunteering at the school?
As per the VWS Criminal Record Check Policy, volunteer’s criminal record searches will be completed through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and are required to be done once every five years. The process can be done online and the school will receive the results directly. DO NOT request a CRC at your local police detachment as this will not fulfill the requirement.
STEP 1: Verify your identity through the BC Services Card app if you haven’t already done so for other government services.
The applicant based online service (eCRC) verifies an applicant’s identity using Electronic Identity Verification (EIV). EIV meets the RCMP’s standard for electronically verifying an applicant's identity. EIV uses the BC Services card to verify an applicant’s identity. Individuals, who are eligible BC residents, will be required to use their BC Services Card to authenticate their identity as part of the criminal record check application process.
Note, this identity verification step can take a number of days for a response and must be completed before proceeding to step 2.
STEP 2: Submit your criminal record check application
Website: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck
Access Code: 7GMMY98FWG
Alternative to on-line application: Complete the paper application
If individuals do not meet the BC Services Card eligibility requirements, or cannot complete the application online for another reason, please email reception@vws.ca to request a printable form to be completed and submitted in person with two pieces of acceptable identification to the Principal or Business Manager.
Please note:
Occasionally an applicant will receive a letter asking that the applicant go to a local police station to provide fingerprints as part of the criminal record check process. If this occurs, please reach out to businessmanager@vws.ca to obtain a letter to take to the police station so that fingerprint fees are waived. Complete applications at least three weeks before your require your CRC. The on-line version take approximately 3-5 days and the paper process takes 2-3 weeks. These two methods are the only acceptable route for obtaining a CRC as required by the Ministry of Education.
I have an idea for the school! How do I proceed?
As per the school’s communication protocols, if you have an idea for your class, you should reach out to your class representative. If you have an idea for a school-wide initiative or event, please reach out to the Parent Committee at vwspac@gmail.com.
Please note that in many cases, parents should be prepared when bringing forth ideas to be asked to assist (or gather resources to assist) in the implementation.
Can Parents have access to VWS library?
Yes, and there is a Parent Section with many great insights into Waldorf Education as well as resources for being a parent of young, middle and older children. Contact library@vws.ca for more info.