Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation

Provincial Home and School Updates

January 2010

1. HOME AND SCHOOL AND YOU
Report is in today's Guardian newspaper. "Plenty of exciting activities planned for coming months - Time to submit a nomination for 2011 Extra Mile Award"......Click here for the fullcolumn.... http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/

2. 2011 RESOLUTIONS
The deadline for Home and School associations to submit resolutions to the Federation is Jan. 31. Topics that may impact on students education include, but are not limited to, school infrastructure, funding for core school materials, class size and composition, school fees, bus safety, health and safety in schools, school board elections, provincial testing, national and international education assessments for the province, newcomers to Canada, involvement of parent groups in school development planning and whatever topic that associations may think is relevant regarding their schools.

The PEIHSF is available to help write these resolutions. There is a "How to write and present a resolution" section and examples of previous resolutions available on the federations website. See the Taking Action page: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/takingaction.html

3. 2011 EXTRA MILE AWARD
The 2011 Extra Mile Award sponsored by the PEIHSF is fast approaching. Nominate a teacher / staff person for the Extra Mile Award by January 22. Follow this link for more details: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/initiatives.html

4. 2011 TEACHER / STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
Celebrate with the rest of Canada the week of February 14th. The national Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is sponsored by the Canadian Home and School Federation. The Federation has great planning ideas and a NEW poster week on its website at: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/TSAWeek.html
A poster will be mailed to every school in PEI.

5. 2011 ANNUAL MEETING
Mark your calendars for the AGM, SATURDAY, APRIL 16th, 2011 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. All Home and School members are welcome to attend with Associations designating five members as their voting delegates. More information to follow in the coming weeks.

6. OTHER NEWS
CELEBRATE FAMILY LITERACY DAY on JANUARY 27th, 2011.
PLAY FOR LITERACY! Playing games that encourage literacy and numeracy - such as board games, card games and word games - is a great way for parents and children to practice their literacy skills and have fun. On January 27, grab your family and play at home, attend a local event, or host an event in your community!
ON-LINE CHALLENGE....ABC Life Literacy Canada is giving away prizes every week in January to celebrate Family Literacy Day.
Click here for more details: http://www.abc-canada.org/en/family_literacy_day

For further information, contact the PEIHSF office
Ph: 620-3186/1-800-916-0664 Fax: 620-3187
E-mail: peihsf@edu.pe.ca Website: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf

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HOME AND SCHOOL UPDATE - December 2010

1. “HOME and SCHOOL and YOU” COLUMN
This monthly newspaper column is written by Owen Parkhouse, President, PEI Home and School Federation and is published in The Guardian newspaper on the first Wednesday of the month.
Click here for full column: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html

2. MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE DUE
Please check with your treasurer to see if she/he has paid your Home and School Association membership fees to the Federation. Make cheques payable to: PEIHSF
Mail to: PO Box 1012 Charlottetown PEI C1A 7M4
Click here for Fee Form: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/Membership%20Form%202009-10.pdf

3. CONSIDER RESOLUTIONS TO SUBMIT TO THE FEDERATION
Jan. 31/11 is the deadline for submitting resolutions to the Federation. These will be presented to the AGM in April. Consider resolutions on educational issues that focus on improving PEI’s system. We can help your Association draft a resolution requesting changes be made by government, school boards, etc. See “How to write and present a resolution” on the “Taking Action” page of our website: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/takingaction.html

4. TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK, February 13 - 19, 2011
Form a committee of enthusiastic people to organize a celebration of your school staff. Be sure to include students on your committee - some terrific ideas come from some very young children. A poster will be mailed to all schools and posted on our website.
Find a T/SAW Planning Checklist at: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/TSAWeek.html

5. NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 “EXTRA MILE AWARD”
Home and School Associations may nominate a teacher/school staff person to receive special recognition during National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. Deadline for submissions: Jan.210/2011.
Click here for Criteria & Nomination Form: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/award_extramile.html

6. BRAINSTORMING SESSION NOTES
President’s valued the recent Brainstorming Session. It proved to be a productive session with discussions on a number of issues facing Home and School Associations.
Click here for complete notes

OTHER:
“A Fun Educational Website for Teachers and Kids” = This site offers kids book suggestions for Christmas, crafts, games and more. http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/christmas/kids-books/

Read Kiddo Read! "Dedicated to making kids readers for life" = This site http://readkiddoread.com/hom includes book recommendations by age group, books for boys, great page turners, interviews with authors, a "first lines" quiz, 12 tried-and-true ways to get your kids reading, and more.

For further information, contact the PEIHSF office
Ph: 620-3186/1-800-916-0664 Fax: 620-3187
E-mail: peihsf@edu.pe.ca Website: www.edu.pe.ca/peihs

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November 2010

1. BRAINSTORMING with PRESIDENTS
PEIHSF will be hosting a 'Brainstorming Session' for all presidents/co-chairs (or designate) of Home and School Associations across PEI to discuss the major issues or challenges facing Home and School Associations and to meet your counterparts from all over the Island.
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2010 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Place: Harmony House Theatre, Hunter River Refreshments will be provided.
Please call Shirley to confirm your attendance by Nov. 15th so we know how many to prepare for (i.e. room setup, food): 620-3186 / 1-800-916-664 or peihsf@edu.pe.ca

2. “HOME & SCHOOL & YOU”
This monthly newspaper column is written by Owen Parkhouse, President, PEI Home and School Federation and is published in The Guardian newspaper on the first Wednesday of the month.
Click here for full column: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html

3. ATLANTIC HOME AND SCHOOL / SCHOOL COUNCILS CALL FOR FEDERAL ACTION ON BULLYING -
PRESS RELEASE: Halifax, Nova Scotia November 1st 2010 : The 8th Annual Atlantic Caucus of Home & School/School Council Federations meeting took place in Halifax, NS on the weekend of October 30th, 2010. Various topics of mutual concern were discussed over the two-day meeting; the most salient being: HOW CAN WE DO MORE TO CONFRONT BULLYING?
Click here for press release: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/Atlantic%20Caucus%20
Press%20Release%20%20Bullying%20Nov%201%202010.pdf

4. HOME AND SCHOOL “MOVIE NIGHT” - What's allowed, and how to do it?
To legally show a movie in public – which includes showing it to students in the school
as part of a “movie night” – requires a public performance license be obtained. For more info, click here: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/HomeAndSchoolMovieNight%20Oct%202010.pdf

5. MEMBERSHIP FEES
Membership Fees are due November 30th. Click here for Membership Fee Form:
http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/Blank%20Mship%20Form%20for%20website.pdf

6. GLEN STEWART PRIMARY/STRATFORD ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS
CRAFT FAIR is this Friday, November 5th, 4-9 PM, and Saturday, November 6th, 9-4 PM.
It will take place at Glen Stewart Primary School and is their major fundraiser for the year
and a great way to get into the spirit of the approaching Christmas season!

7. MINISTER’S SUMMIT ON LEARNING
Link to our the June Summit proceedings, prepared by HRA: http://www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/
The minister has extended the deadline, for those who attended the summit, to fill out a short survey. We urge all Summit participants to respond to this survey. The survey will be live until November 5 and can be found at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GV59LRH

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October 2010

1. REGISTER FOR SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING
Join Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Education on Tuesday, Oct. 19/10 at Central Queens Elementary School for the PEI Home and School Federation Semi-Annual Meeting. Resolutions and other educational issues will be discussed with the minister, deputy minister, and superintendents of the Western and Eastern School Boards.
Please register by Oct. 12th/10.
Click here for October 1st President's Memo
Click here for Semi-Annual registration brochure

2. REQUEST FOR INPUT - WESTERN SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES
Dale Sabean, WSB superintendent is requesting parent input on two draft policies... Social Networking which would have interest by a variety of audiences and School Fund-raising. Please respond directly to Mr. Sabean at: cdsabean@edu.pe.ca with a cc to the provincial Home and School office: peihsf@edu.pe.ca
Click here for policies: http://www.edu.pe.ca/wsb/westindex.htm

3. TRAINING WORKSHOP FEEDBACK - From
West Royalty Home & School Assoc.
Thank you for arranging the event last night. I can speak for those from WR, that we felt it was good information provided. Because of some of the conversations I had and heard, I wanted to pass on a procedural item that seems to work for us that you can share with the others if you feel it would be helpful.
It's around the nomination / election/ volunteer process. Here's how it currently works at WRE: A form is sent home to parents in May from the H&S asking them to nominate themselves or others for available executive positions and advising that those nominated are required to be present at the June meeting. What happened for this year is that 4 of us self-nominated and were "chosen" at the June meeting as the new executive. We found this to be very beneficial as it allowed us to do some planning over the summer.
We had the opportunity to have a meeting with the outgoing executive to discuss some issues, and we then met as a group to do some planning and brainstorming. Myself and Wendy (VP) met with Ken Gaudet before school started with a list of questions, and then we met again the evening of meet the teacher night to ensure we were prepared for that event. As the president, I then had the floor for a few minutes to address parents . During that evening, we had sign up sheets available for our committtees. We had a great response and feel like we're now off to the races.
I hope this process can be of benefit to some of the other associations out there. Cheers, D. (Denise Bulger, President)

4. LIBRARY MAKE-OVERS -
If your Home & School Assoc. offer ideas to request below, please email Nicole
directly at: nmorrissey@pei.sympatico.ca
and cc to the provincial office: peihsf@edu.pe.ca
REQUEST: ....Do you know of any schools that have done library make-overs in the last few years along with H&S help.
Our school is looking for a change (our library is very institutional and boring) and we want to make it more inviting for the students. Just looking for some ideas! Thanks. Nicole Morrissey, President Tignish Home and School Association

5. MEDIA TIPS
Be sure and advertise your Home and School meetings and events regularly in newspapers, radio and TV media. Contact the provincial Home and School office
for Media Directory and for tips / assistance in writing PSA’s or Press Releases.

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September 2010

1. LEADERSHIP TRAINING SESSIONS
FREE Volunteer Training for Home and School Members. Register by Sept. 20th!
Sept. 22nd - Athena; Sept. 23 - Queen Charlotte. Call 620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664 to register.
See poster on our website: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf

2. MEMBERSHIP FEES AND CONTACT INFO FORMS
Forms were mailed to Presidents. Please forward Membership Form (blue) to your Treasurer. Payment is due Nov. 30th. Complete Local Contact Form and send to the provincial office a.s.a.p.
Click here for above forms: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/about.html

3. WEST ROYALTY HOME AND SCHOOL LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE!
Congratulations to West Royalty on the development and launch of their new web site!!!
We encourage all Home and School’s to develop their own web site/blog site.
Click here to view: http://www.westroyaltyhs.ca/

4. SCHOOL BOARD REZONING DEADLINES/POLICY INFO
Home and School Associations are encouraged to submit requests/comments to school boards regarding School Attendance Zones and Accommodation where changes need to be addressed.
ESD = Submit requests to ESD Chair, Bob Clow by 5:00 PM on Oct. 15, 2010.
Click on this link for ESD policy/regulations: School Attendance Zones http://www.edu.pe.ca/esd/pdf/policies/jcaa_r.PDF
WSB = Contact the board office (902) 888- 8400 for information.
Click on this link for WSB policy/regulations: Student Accommodation, Zoning & Recommended Permanent School Closure http://www.edu.pe.ca/wsb/schoolboard/policies/communitiesforlearning/31-StudentAccommodationZoning&PermanentClosure.pdf

5. 57TH SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING
Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Education and Sandy MacDonald, Deputy Minister of Education will join us at our Semi-Annual Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 19/10, Central Queens Elementary School to respond on 2010 resolutions approved at the AGM in April.
More info to follow.

6. READING ROCKETS’ INFO FOR PARENTS
A. Supporting Early Literacy in Children with Disabilities
Written for both parents and practitioners, two-page guides describe everyday learning opportunities that help build literacy skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. Click here: http://support.weta.org/site/R?i=kn-xSh6AovD8dE3BCUUv2g..

B. 5 Steps to Closing the Gap
Five U.S. school systems, with differences in location, funding, and demographics, have all raised student achievement using five common-sense steps: #5 says...”Successfully build relationships with parents, community organizations, area businesses, and others...”
See full article: http://support.weta.org/site/R?i=InQVeKRHQAmT8ldueRIkvQ

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June 2010

1. HOME AND SCHOOL JUNE COLUMN
Written by Owen Parkhouse, President, PEI Home and School Federation
“It is June already and another school year is just about finished. There is growing excitement among our children surrounding summer holidays. However, as parents and guardians we have to remember that our duty as ‘life-skills educators’ for the summer months increases in importance. In this day and age, it is all too easy to rely on the ‘Digital Babysitter’ when the children are at home, however, this is both detrimental to their health and their development......”
Click here for column: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html/

2. CONGRATULATIONS to Montague Cons.Home and School/ Blogs
Montague Home and School Association is building a new playground Sept. 25/10....
Montague - http://www.viddler.com/explore/ltbk/videos/144/
Glen Stewart Blog - http://glenstewarthomeandschool.blog.ca/
Spring Park Blog - http://sphs.bulman.ca/node
Tignish Blog - http://tignishhomeschool.wordpress.com/

3. EDUCATION SUMMIT
Home and School Presidents/Chairs have been invited by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development to attend the Education Summit, June 4, 5, 2010, Delta Hotel. Please put this item on your next Home and School meeting’s agenda to find what was discussed during the Summit session concerning PEI’s education system. Click here for Ministry of Education website press release www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/index.php3?number=news&newsnumber=7053&dept=&lang=E

4. UPDATE: PROVINCIAL PRIMARY MATH ASSESSMENT (PMA)
- Field testing was completed in 9 classrooms in April.
- Parent Brochure is now on-line and will also be given to teachers to send home in the fall.
- Sampler of questions is on-line and a copy to be given to teachers at the School Contact Meeting on Sept. 16.
- Grade 4 students from all school districts will be participating in the PMA 2010.
- PMA administration dates are October 5 and 6 - over 2 days .
- The marking board will be held at La Belle Alliance from Oct 25-28. Grade 4 teachers will be invited to mark. If additional markers are required, an invite will be extended to Grade 3 teachers. (Grade 4 teachers will receive results of students' work at the end of the marking board as they did this year).

5. WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN
Welcome to Kindergarten workshops are happening across PEI in elementary schools. Parents and teachers are working together to welcome parents and Kindergarten children into our school system. To find out more about the WTK program, click on the following link: www.thelearningpartnership.ca/Page.aspx?pid=552

6. OTHER RESOURCES
❏ How Well Does My Child Hear and Talk? - Most children are able to listen to simple
stories, songs, and rhymes by the time they are one to two years old. Learn more....
http://support.weta.org/site/R?i=frVwTEbBbh0heFEJbwqgaw

❏ * The Great Word Quest - PBS KIDS introduces The Great Word Quest, a series of
online literacy games with activities to help strengthen critical reading skills, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
http://support.weta.org/site/R?i=icFDonP074xSH_XiP0nW_g

❏ Calling All Young Scientists - education.com has put together a great set of grade-leveled project ideas as well as down-to-earth tips on how to best support your child's scientific exploration, writing, and presentation skills. http://support.weta.org/site/R?i=7C_v5iqV7HKb620SySODHg

❏ BOOKS AND AUTHORS - * Family Scrapbooks Filled with Poems: Our Interview with Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton.
http://support.weta.org/site/R?i=nPCapZLxqORneJc4xysFkw

MEMORABLE QUOTE
"Take chances, make mistakes, get messy."
-- Miss Frizzle (from "The Magic School Bus" series by Joanna Cole)

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MAY 2010

1. “HOME AND SCHOOL AND YOU” May 2010
P.E.I. Home and School Federation welcomes new president at AGM “First, I would
like to thank the outgoing board members and Bill Whelan for advocating for the best possible education for all children on PEI’. Second, I would like to thank the membership for allowing me to ‘take the helm’ for the next two years. I, like the others who have gone before me, am committed to the best possible education for our children...”
This column is written by Owen Parkhouse, President, PEI Home and School
Federation for The Guardian and published on the 1st Wed. of the month.
See full column on-line: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html

2. 2010 SCHOOL BUS DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation is pleased to announce our annual School Bus Driver of the Year Award for 2010. School bus drivers are the first school employees who come in contact with our children each school day, and the last at the end of the day. Deadline for nominations: May 17, 2010. Click on this link for nomination info: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/Bus%20Dri%20Awd%202009.pdf

3. FUNDRAISING GUIDELINES
The PEI Home and School Federation’s Fundraising Guidelines are now on-line.
Click here: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/FundRaising%20Guidelines%20final.pdf

4. REMINDER: PEOF - Parent Engagement Projects....Still time to apply....
Sandy Rendell and Mait MacIsaac, PEOF Consultants are currently contacting Presidents/Chairs to check on the status of your projects. The PEOF Kit for $350 grants is on our website. Need a project idea? Everything is on our website. Project Ideas: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/PEOF%20List%20of%20Projects.html --- For PEOF Kit: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/PEOF%20Kit%20Oct%202009%20no%20lines.doc

5. OTHER INFORMATION FOR PARENTS.....
■ May is Speech & Hearing Awareness Month www.caslpa.ca/english/resources/maymonth.asp

■ National Summer Safety Week, May 1-7, 2010 http://safety-council.org/

■ Children's Book Week, May 10-16th - Visit website www.bookweekonline.com

■ Island Literary Awards submissions due: May 28th 2010. The most significant public awards event recognizing student writers on PEI, Island Literary Awards, to occur Sept. 19, 2010 and includes cash awards, readings from winning authors, reception, etc.
Contact: Jenna Macdonald peiwritersguild@gmail.com (902) 218-1591.
On-line forms: www.peiwritersguild.com (Click on ILA button).

■ Safe Kids Week, May 31-June 5, 2010 www.safekidscanada.ca/safekidsCanada/

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APRIL 2010

1. “HOME AND SCHOOL AND YOU” April 7, 2010 Column -
“When should your child start to think about their career path and what can you do to help? Parents should be aware that career education is part of the health curriculum in intermediate school. In addition, “Career Cruising’, an on-line career exploration tool, is available to all students in grades 7-12 and their parents.....” This column is written by Bill Whelan, President, PEI Home and School Federation for The Guardian and published on the 1st Wed. of the month. CLICK HERE for full column... www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html

2. 2010 PEIHSF ANNUAL MEETING
It is not too late to register! SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010 8:45 AM- 1:30 PM RODD Charlottetown Hotel, Kent Street. Parents are welcome to attend the AGM with Associations asked to designate five members as their voting delegates. Call 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664 or check our our website for the AGM registration brochure. http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/AGM%20Brochure%202010.pdf

3. PARENT ENGAGEMENT PEOF PROJECTS
Sandy and Mait are continuing to contact all Home and School Associations/Parent Councils about Parent Engagement Project grant applications. Click here for on-line application: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/documents/PEOF%20Kit%20Oct%202009%20no%20lines.doc

4. CAREER EXPLORATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
When should your child start to think about their career path and what can you do to help? An on-line career exploration tool, is available to all students in grades 7-12 and their parents. It includes a career aptitude test which can help students identify their career interests and strengths. Students can get a username and password from the school counselor. Parents are encouraged to check out www.careercruising.com and be their child’s career coach.

5. OTHER INFORMATION FOR PARENTS.....
■ National Volunteer Week April 18 - 24, 2010 = National Volunteer Week, the biggest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in our country, is coming....www.volunteer.ca/nvw

■ Contraband Tobacco in PEI = At the Fall PETRA meeting we received a presentation from two constables who are working on contraband tobacco in PEI. The feedback we received was excellent and I believe many of us had ours eyes opened to a growing issue. Jeff Tuttle and Paul Henshall are seeking opportunities to speak to youth, young adults and the general public to continue their education of the issue of illegal tobacco. If you would like them to attend and speak to your Association, contact Amy McKenna RCMP "L" Division: Customs and Excise (902) 370-3366 Email: amy.mckenna@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

■ “The Role of Recreational Activities in Promoting Quality of Life for Children with Disabilities” Workshop on Sat. April 10/10, 9-4, UPEI with Michael Cameron Ph.D, BBCA, Chair, Behaviour Analysis Department at Simmons College, Boston, Mass = ,. To register for this FREE workshop, email Nathalie Walsh Nathalie@autismsociety.pe.ca or call 566-4844 More details at: www.autismsociety.pe.ca

■ Media Awareness Network - Free Educational Games are available for elementary and intermediate ages http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/games/index.cfm

■ Turn Off TV Week is April 19 - 25, 2010 = What are kids watching? Use this week to talk to kids about their favorite medium. Find family activities on-line....
www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/teachable_moments/tv_turnoff_week.cfm

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MARCH 2010

1. “HOME AND SCHOOL AND YOU” March 2010 Column
“Remember your first junior high school exam? Tests and exams can be stressful. How a child copes with stress can have a direct impact on academic success.....” This column is written by Bill Whelan, President, PEI Home and School Federation for The Guardian and published on the 1st Wed. of the month. CLICK HERE for full column... www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html

2. PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORTS
Reports are due in the provincial office by next Monday, March 8th/10 . All reports will be included in the Annual Books of Reports. Review last year’s Book of Reports on About Us page of our website: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/about.html

3. 2010 RESOLUTIONS
The 2010 resolutions were mailed to Presidents & Co-Chairs. Next steps for Local Associations are as follows:
A. Discuss all resolutions at your next Home and School meeting.
B. Vote on each resolution and record in minutes.
C. Appoint your AGM delegates and inform them of final voting decisions so
they will come to the AGM, prepared to vote as directed by your Association.
Click here “How to write and present resolution: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/write_resolution.html

4. REGISTER FOR AGM
Your Association could WIN one night's accommodation at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. Registration info for the PEIHSF’s 57th AGM was mailed to Presidents and Co-Chairs. The meeting will be held on Saturday, April 17/10 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, Kent Street, Charlottetown.
NEW!! REGISTER BY Thursday April 1/10 and your Association’s name will go into a draw to win one night’s stay on the 16th of April at the Rodd Charlottetown.
Click on our Home Page to register: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf

5. SHAPES SCHOOL HEALTH GRANT
This new grant package was mailed to School Principals the end of January. Home and Schools may wish to coordinate SHAPES grants with our project Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund.Visit the SHAPES-PEI website or contact the Project Coordinator, Madelon Cheverie mcheverie@upei.ca

6. OTHER PARENT RESOURCES & INFORMATION

■ Improving Your Child’s Performance on Tests - Teachers, parents and schools have a common goal and shared responsibility to have children perform well on tests. Here are some suggestions on what parents can do to help their children perform well on tests. www.cse.ucla.edu/products/parents/cresst_HelpYourChildonTests_010804.doc

■ “Celebrate Island Food” Recipe Challenge, PEI Healthy Eating Alliance - All PEI schools may submit original, tasty & healthy recipes made with mostly local food ingredients. The grand prize will be for the class or group to cook their award recipe with PEI’s Food Ambassador, Chef Michael Smith! Other prizes available. Recipe Challenge info and entry forms available on the PEIHEA website, www.healthyeatingpei.ca

■ March Is Nutrition Month 2010 - Dietitians to focus on celebrate food-.from field to table! Visit: www.dietitians.ca/ Go to “Eat Well Live Well” and then “Nutrition Month.”

■ Biking for Breakfast - Contest - Submit your own favorite activities or places to visit, for a chance to win either a $1000 Mountain Equipment Co-op shopping spree or a $1500 Subaru gift card! Vote for BFB activities, and enter to win great prizes of your own, visit www.subaru.ca/getoutmore Contest runs until March 14, 2010. Call Ken 888-3878

■ Atlantic Technology Centre Cap Site is offering Free Computer Info Sessions for members of the public Feb 7 to Mar 31/10. Call 569-7603 or email : atccap@gov.pe.ca

■ Reading Rockets - Helpful Parent Resources:
- Checklist “De-Stress” www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/ca/151
- Help Your Child Do Better in School www.pinkmonkey.com/parentscentral/pgdobet.asp

■ Enrichment Strategies in Education: The Nova Scotia Model - Dr. Meredith Greene will present a free public presentation, Howard Johnson Dutch Inn, Cornwall, Mar. 6/10, 9:00-12:00 on NS Dept Education’s Challenge for Excellence strategies for schoolwide enrichment.

■ The ABCs of Mental Health Development of Mental Health Resources for Parents
The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, a children's mental health centre in Toronto, is developing an internet-based resource on children's and adolescents' mental health. Parents input welcomed. Click here for survey www.surveymonkey.com/s/mentalhealthresourceparents

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FEBRUARY 2010

1. HOME AND SCHOOL AND YOU Guardian Newspaper Column, /February 3/10
In February parents of students in grade 4 will receive their child’s test results for the new Primary Math Assessment written in October 2009. This is a great time for parents to talk with their children about the importance of learning math. Parents are encouraged to promote a positive attitude towards math.
Click here for full column: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/featured.html

2. TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK February 14-20, 2010
Click here for T/SAW Planning Ideas: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/TSAWeek.html

3. HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION WELCOMES PARENT
INPUT ON SCHOOL REZONGING
Charlottetown, PEI---January 30, 2010 The PEI Home and School Federation welcomes the Eastern School District trustees’ decision on January 27 to provide greater opportunity for parent input on school rezoning. Http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/news.html

4. 57TH ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE
Mark your calendars for the PEI Home and School Federation’s 57th Annual General Meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, Kent Street, Charlottetown, PEI. The registration information package will be mailed to Presidents within the next few weeks. Put this item on your February agenda and ask 2-5 members to attend as your Home and School Association’s Voting Delegates.

5. PRESIDENTS REPORTS / COMMITTEE REP REPORTS
Presidents and Committee Chair Annual Reports are due March10, 2010. These reports will be included in the Federation’s Annual Book of Reports. A report template is available to help you with and you can view last year’s reports on our website. Call Shirley at 620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664 or email peihsf@edu.pe.ca for assistance.

6. Other Community News
Bluefield High School Concert Band WINTER CABARET ”, 7:30 pm, February 6, 2010 to raise funds for the band to participate in a Canada-Cuba cultural exchange, April 2011. Tickets: $10 includes coffee/tea/sweets, silent auction. Performances by: Bluefield Jazz Band, comedian Patrick Ledwell and “Soul Food Trio” (Reggie Ballagh, Jon Rehder, Chastity Haselsteiner). Call 675-7480 or visit:
http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/index.html

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JANUARY 2010

1. HOME AND SCHOOL AND YOU Guardian Newspaper Column, January 6/10
The PEI Home and School Federation wishes all Island families a happy and healthy new year. We take this opportunity to thank all parents, educators, administrators and staff for their support of home and school in 2009. It was a remarkable year for education, due in large part to parents who kept the conversation on education at the forefront. What does the year ahead hold for education? Click here for full column.... http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/

2. FUNDRAISING GUIDELINES
Parents and teachers are invited to comment on the PEI Home and School Federation’s Draft Fundraising Guidelines by JANUARY 31, 2010.
Click here for 2 page draft guidelines: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/news.html

3. 2010 ANNUAL MEETING
Mark your calendars for the AGM, SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. Home and School Associations may send five voting delegates. More information to follow....

4. 2010 RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions are being considered for the AGM. How to write and present a resolution, and examples of previously passed resolutions are available on the Federation’s website on the Taking Action page. All resolutions must be received in the Federation office by January 30, 2010. http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/takingaction.html

5. 2010 EXTRA MILE AWARD
Nominate a teacher / staff person for the Extra Mile Award by JANUARY 22/10.
http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/initiatives.html

6. TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK February 14-20, 2010
Click here for T/SAW Planning Ideas: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/TSAWeek.html

7. REMINDER TO APPLY FOR $350 PEOF GRANTS
Your Home and School Association may apply for a $350 grant to do a parent engagement project. For more info call 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664 or go to our website for project ideas: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/PEOF%20List%20of%20Projects.html

8. OTHER COMMUNITY NEWS
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Campaign “Bowl For Kids Sake” will be held March 6, 7, 2010. Over 2000 participants join Bowl for Kids Sake and are asked to raise money through pledges, raffle tickets, group fundraising, and on-line pledging. Teams sign up to bowl at one of seven traditional bowling lanes across PEI. Groups such as Home and School Associations can put together teams for this event. To sign up your team, contact: Mary Carr-Chaisson 368-7758 mary@bbbspei.ca Website: www.bbbspei.ca