Home and School News - June 2023
1. Hold Elections in June: June is an excellent time to hold Home and School Association election of officers to allow your new Home and School Association's executive time to prepare for the new school year in September. Those who have completed their terms, should ask another parent or teacher rep to fill in their place. Invite parents having children in K-3 to volunteer. If you need guidance, contact the Federation office at 902-620-3186 / ssmedleyjay@gov.pe.ca
2. Congratulations Provincial Heritage and Science Fair students! : In recognition of students' excellent work, the PEI Home and School Federation awards specialty prizes in the PEI’s Heritage and Science Fairs. Congratulations to Science Fair winners:
- Will Pop really rot my teeth? Isaac Ramsay, Bloomfield Elementary
- Should you trust the 5-second rule? Amelia Hayward, Cardigan Consolidated
Heritage Fair winners:
- Haven McCormack, The McCormack Roots Gr. 9, Belfast Consolidated
- Henry Etchell, Doucet House Descendant Gr. 6, L.M. Montgomery Elementary
3. Parent Engagement Project Reports: Reports for completed Home and School Parent Engagement Projects are due in the Federation office on May 31. Contact the office, if you require more information at ssmedleyjay@gov.pe.ca
4. School Calendar 2023-2024: The 2023-2024 school calendar is posted online at:
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-early-years/2023-2024-school-calendar
5. Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees: The Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on Monday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Queen Charlotte Intermediate School. Find the agenda and minutes on the PSB website at: https://psb.edu.pe.ca/board-meetings-and-minutes.
6. Guardian Home and School news column: PEI Home and School Federation president, Dionne Tuplin, writes a monthly column for The Guardian newspaper, published on the first Friday of the month during the school year. The June article will be posted on June 2 at News - PEI Home and School Federation (peihsf.ca)
7. Learning continues over the summer months : Encouraging summer reading is a way to keep your child's mind active over the summer. Your library card provides you and your child with a plethora of resources.
eBooks, Audiobooks & Online Resources | Government of Prince Edward Island
https://thereadingschool.ca/summer-2022-reading-list-for-kids-with-canadian-links/
https://www.readingrockets.org/article/10-weeks-summer-reading-adventures-you-and-your-kids
https://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/shanahan-literacy/how-encourage-summer-reading-parents-guide
8. 2020-21 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey : New data released about student substance abuse. Follow this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-student-tobacco-alcohol-drugs-survey/2021-2022-summary.html
Provincial Home and School News, May 2023
1. School Bus Driver Award: Nominate a bus driver to receive recognition for keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school from September to June during school year. Submission date: Friday, May 5, 2023
More at: School Bus Driver of the Year Award - PEI Home and School Federation (peihsf.ca)
2. Post-AGM: Thank you to Local Associations for attending the 70th Annual Meeting & Conference. The meeting’s slideshows, round table summary, minutes, and resolutions are being posted on our website when finalized. Go to: https://peihsf.ca/agm/
3. Public Schools Branch: The PSB Review of Schools Study Report is available and can be found under News & Updates at: https://psb.edu.pe.ca/news-updates
4. School Trustees Board Meeting: The Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 7:30 p.m. at Montague Regional High, 274 Valleyfield Road, Rte. 326, Lower Montague or via Webex at:
PSB Board of Trustees. Any member of the public who wishes to make a presentation to the Board must submit a written request to the Public Schools Branch by 4 p.m. on April 27, 2023 to: sxgauthier@edu.pe.ca. Call 902-368-6850 for additional information or to register to attend.
5. School Calendar: The Department of Education & Early Years released the 2023-2024 School Calendar, April 17. The first school day for students is Sept. 7. More at: 2023-2024 School Calendar | Government of Prince Edward Island
6. 70th AGM Report: PEI Home and School Federation president, Dionne Tuplin will include an AGM report in May newspaper column to be published on Friday, May 5 and online at: News - PEI Home and School Federation (peihsf.ca)
Stratford Elementary Home and School meeting minutes April 12, 2023
The meeting began at 6:00pm with principal Janet Cameron explaining the present situation, with our former executive resigning. Shirlee Jay from the PEI Home and School Federation was consulted and options for the structure of the parent group were discussed. Possibilities included a parent council, sub-committees, and traditional executive positions. It was noted that not all members of the former executive resigned for the same reasons and in the same manner. The consensus of those in attendance was that a parent council would be a more appropriate direction, with some consistent executives.
Jennifer Ashby, former treasurer, stated that she would need to transfer the banking and treasurer responsibilities to formal treasurers. With that, Kristina Dowling nominated Susan Fitzpatrick and Kaylee Sanders to fill the role of co-treasurers starting immediately. Janet Cameron seconded the motion. Motion was passed.
Kristina Dowling spoke on her administration of the Facebook page and the need for assistance managing questions, posts, and requests. Amy Scales offered to become co-administrator with Kristina.
Upcoming fundraisers for the Home and School include the spring coupon booklet, and planning of a Glen Stewart Primary & Stratford Elementary Christmas craft fair. Janet mentioned that an end of year BBQ would be a great event for community involvement. In addition, there was discussion that the current Home and School funds in the bank could be used to support transportation for end of year trips. With that, Angela MacDonald presented a motion to allocate $2000 of the current funds to help subsidize the end of year trips for all students. Kaylee Sanders seconded the motion. Motion was passed.
The PEI Home and School Federation annual general meeting is this Saturday, April 15th. All parents are welcome to attend. As Stratford Elementary has a relatively new delegation, we will abstain from voting on the resolutions. Kristina Dowling noted that any registrations ($40) would be paid by the current funds.
There was discussion for a form to be sent home at the beginning of the school year (with the package of information forms) to gather interest in parent volunteer sub-committees. Once these forms are received into the office, the leads on each sub-committee will receive the list of interested parent volunteers. Sub-committees identified include: End of year BBQ, Staff Appreciation, Yard Sale/Flea Market, Christmas Craft Fair, Spring coupon books, Lunch program helpers, and other fundraisers (poinsettias, flower baskets, etc.). The office will put out a call for interested parents for the sub-committees necessary for the remainder of this school year (End of year BBQ, Christmas Craft Fair, and Spring Coupon booklets). Amanda Duncan, VP, will collect names and submit them to the group.
It was brought up that the minutes from the last meeting, January 30th, were not present or posted. The parents who were at the last meeting requested to see the minutes in order to ensure accuracy and make any potential amendments. It was also noted that the January 30th meeting was recorded via Zoom without the knowledge or permission of any members present in person. Kristina Dowling spoke that an executive would need to formally request the previous minutes. Amy Scales nominated Femke Hakkers and Jill Chandler as temporary co-chairs of the parent council/home and school. Jenna Connolly seconded the motion. Motion was passed. If any other parents are interested in chairing the home and school in the future, please let Femke or Jill know.
Following the appointment of co-chairs, there was a discussion on how to best keep minutes, so they are accessible to council members year to year. A possibility is using the Google account (already set up) to keep minutes, communication, and information.
Amanda Duncan acted as secretary for this meeting. Amy Scales nominated Vanessa Campbell and Allison Giggey as co-secretaries. Femke Hakkers seconded the motion. Motion was passed.
Susan Fitzpatrick extended thanks, on behalf of all Stratford Elementary staff, to Craig Taggert and the staff appreciation parent planning committee for their work in February and the meaningful Stratford Wolves keychains for all staff.
It was discussed that in the fall, a clear message from the parent council/home and school group will be sent to parents outlining objectives of working collaboratively with school staff. Janet Cameron encouraged those who volunteer on sub-committees to have fun with it.
At 7:05pm, Femke Hakkers motioned to adjourn the meeting. Susan Fitzpatrick seconded the motion. Motion was passed.
March update from PEI Home and School President:
70th AGM & Conference
Mark your calendar! The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is pleased to announce that our Knowledge, Collaboration, & Success for the Next Generation A.G.M. & Conference 2023 will take place on Saturday, April 15, at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, Charlottetown.
REGISTER ONLINE or at https://peihsf.ca/agm by midnight on March 24, and your name will be entered into the Early Bird Draw for an overnight stay at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.
SPEAKERS
- Hon. Natalie Jameson, Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning
- Hon. Antionette Perry, Lieutenant Governor
- More speakers from Student Well-Being Teams and the Dept. of Education's new Diversity lead, Debbie Langston
More info will be posted at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/ or call us at 902-620-3186.
NEW Annual Report submission deadline - March 10
To allow more time following the school break, the deadline to submit Annual Reports has been extended to Friday, March 10. Every Home and School Association is asked to submit a report for inclusion in the Federation's annual Book of Reports. Remember! You are writing a piece of the history of Home and School in P.E.I. Click here to use the NEW President’s Google 2023 Report Form or email a word doc to Kelly at: info@peihsf.ca
Review Proposed 2023 Resolutions
Proposed resolutions have been circulated to Presidents. Please discuss these resolutions at your next Home and School meeting. Use each resolution as a springboard for discussing the topic; then hold a vote, resolution by resolution, to determine how your school's delegates will vote at the Annual Meeting. Your voting delegates can vote "in favour," "opposed," or they can present amendments. Review 2023 resolutions online at: https://peihsf.ca/resolutions/
Volunteer / Life Membership Awards
A Home and School volunteer is recognized annually for their efforts in their local school with the Steve McQuaid Volunteer of the Year. In addition, a Life Membership is recognized when deemed appropriate with this person's contributions, locally and provincially. You are invited to review the awards' criteria and submit nominations by March 9. Awards details at: https://peihsf.ca/awards/
Board of Directors Nominations
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is the umbrella organization of Home and Schools across the island. It is overseen by a volunteer board elected by delegates from member Home and School Associations. Every year at the annual meeting, elections are held for vacant positions on the board, and members are encouraged to nominate suitable candidates who, in your opinion, have the necessary qualifications to do the work of the provincial Federation. You can access the 2023 Nomination Form at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/
Feb. Monthly update from PEI Home and School President:
Happy February and Black History Month from the P.E.I. Home and School Federation. As the shortest month of the year gets underway, P.E.I. is in final preparations to host the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Students' mid-term school break is combined with the Games for the two weeks, from February 20 to March 4. The federation sends best wishes to the Canada Games team of dedicated volunteers and staff who will welcome Canada's best athletes and the nation to P.E.I. in 2023.
Together, it’s time to celebrate this province’s athletes and share P.E.I.'s welcoming community spirit with the rest of Canada.
Presidents of local Home and School associations have until Feb. 28 to submit their annual reports for inclusion in the 70th annual Book of Reports. Refer to last year's report on the website at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/ and ask executive members for help, if needed. Include Home and School highlights during the 2022-2023 school year. Remember that, together, people are writing the history of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation.
School staff members work hard at creating a safe, welcoming school environments for all students. A positive student-teacher/administrator/admin support/custodian/bus driver/ relationship speaks of mutual trust and respect. Getting to know students helps them feel valued and can encourage them to become stronger learners. Research has shown that children who feel liked and supported by educators do better in school. In addition, positive relationships have been shown to reduce disruptive behavior, improve the student's ability to respond to stress, and increase engagement in the school.
In recognition of the vital role school staff play, home and school associations are encouraged to find ways to thank administrators, teachers, and other school staff members for their contributions. Celebrate school staff during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week Feb 13-17. P.E.I. teachers and school staff members are the "backbone" of our children's education and growth into their futures. Thank you for all you do.
Home and School's Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes one volunteer's significant contributions to helping people in their school communities. The Life Member Award acknowledges service to the provincial federation. Associations can nominate individuals for these awards. Submit by the deadline: March 3. Criteria and the form are online at: https://peihsf.ca/awards/
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation's 70th Annual General Meeting & Convention will be April 15 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. The board has planned an interactive conference and is looking forward to hosting voting delegates and guests. The federation office will circulate the annual meeting conference registration materials to presidents in February and post them at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/. Parents and educators are asked to review the meeting information and come to the AGM prepared to vote.
The PEIHSF office staff is available to assist local associations with everything from report writing and award nominations to how to run a local meeting. Email info@peihsf.ca or call 902-620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664.