Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation: News and Events

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"Home & School & You" Column:
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PEIHSF Press Releases:
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE - November 13, 2011 -----
The Canadian Home and School Federation (CHSF) held its Semi-Annual Board Meeting 10th - 13th of November in Ottawa.

The Directors attended the National Remembrance Day Ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf of the Parents of Canada. Discussions at the Board Meeting centered on giving Canadian parents a stronger voice for matters pertaining to our children and youth. Items that were discussed include:

· the establishment of a Secretary of State for Children and Youth;
· Bill C-11 which concerns the Copyright Modernization Act;
· drafting a letter petitioning the Ministers of Health (federal & provincial) to restrict the sale of energy drinks to children and youth under the age of majority in their respective provinces;
· finalizing arrangements for the National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week which will be held 12th-18th of February 2012.

See photo attached: Debra Giesbrecht, 1st Vice President and Owen Parkhouse, Director place the wreath on behalf of the Canadian Home and School Federation.

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For more information, contact:
Owen Parkhouse, President
PEI Home and School Federation
961-3250

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PRESS RELEASE October 29, 30, 2011 ----- Atlantic Caucus of Home and School/ School Councils Meet in Fredericton, NB.

The 9th Annual Atlantic Caucus of Home and School/School Council Federations meeting took place in Fredericton, NB on the weekend of October 29th, 2011. Representatives from the Home and School Federations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Federation of School Councils in Newfoundland Labrador participated in the meeting. Various topics of mutual concern were discussed over the two-day meeting, including the following items.

The Atlantic Caucus is pleased with Health Canada’s Proposed Approach to Managing Caffeinated Energy Drinks, and while it believes that this is a step in the right direction, it is not enough. In line with the Canadian Home and School Federation, we continue to call upon the Federal Health Minister and Health Canada to restrict the sale of energy drinks and energy boosting products to persons over the legal age of majority.

The Atlantic Caucus also calls upon government and school officials to address the practice of students being required to participate in fundraising activities to purchase equipment and supplies such as smart boards and playground equipment. Many families cannot support these activities to the levels expected and the Caucus believes that such purchases should be funded out of a school’s regular annual budget.

Finally, the Caucus challenges Department of Education officials within the Atlantic region to search for efficiencies in the provision of core curriculum supplies for our students - the cost of these supplies vary widely between schools and regions and the Caucus is concerned that a level playing field does not exist for all families. This may alleviate the burden placed on families who may not have the same capacity as others to provide essential school supplies to their children.

The Atlantic Caucus recognizes the challenges faced by government in providing the best education possible to our children and looks forward to the opportunity to provide further input and assistance to government in addressing these concerns.

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For more information, contact:
Owen Parkhouse, President, PEIHS, Telephone 902-620-3186
Glyn Morgan, President, NBFHSAI, Telephone 506-451-6247
Vanda Dow, President, NSFHSA: Telephone 902-421-2663
Dave Pretty, President, NLFSC, Telephone 709-279-2789

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Press Release - September 9, 2011-----Equipping Volunteers at Home and School Training Workshops

YOU ARE INVITED TO A Home and School Volunteer Leadership Training Session. The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation is putting on two Volunteer Training Workshops to better equip our many Home and School volunteers.

At these sessions you will learn how to...Run a Home and School Meeting..... Build an Agenda ....Do a Financial Statement....Record a set of minutes....Write a resolution and stay current with educational issues....Tips on how to start a blog or website.

The Charlottetown workshop will be on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at West Royalty Elementary School and the Summerside session on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Athena Consolidated School. Both sessions will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

These sessions will provide good general information for all volunteers including presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, secretaries, other committee members. There is no cost! Handouts and refreshments will be provided!

We need to know how many people will attend so please register by: Tuesday, Sept. 20/11 by calling 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664 or e-mail us your name at: peihsf@edu.pe.ca This is sponsored by the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation.

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For more information, contact:
Shirley S. Jay
620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664

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PRESS RELEASE - December 9, 2010 ------- Call for Extra Mile Award Nominations to Recognize Teachers/Staff Personnel

The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation is now accepting nominations for the Extra Mile Award. This award recognizes teachers and/or staff personnel who exemplify going the extra mile, over and above the call of duty, in Prince Edward Island’s public education system.

“We have many great educators and staff personnel in our school system who are unsung heros.” says Owen Parkhouse, President. “The evidence of going the extra mile in assisting a student to achieve academically, socially or in other areas of school life is important to the total well-being of the child/youth and is worthy of recognition.”
The PEI Home and School Federation highly regards these people in our education system and knows that all the extras given by an individual should not go unnoticed.

The award criteria includes a nominee having demonstrated a caring attitude towards Island students and the ability to motivate children and young adults; by example, time given bettered the life of these young Islanders and their volunteer service benefitted Island students and/or youth.

Nominations may be submitted by a local Home and School Association and/or individual member to the provincial Home and School Federation office by January 14, 2011. Two Extra Mile Awards will be awarded, one in the Western School Board and a second in the Eastern School District. Presentations will occur during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in February.

Nomination forms are available on the Home and School Federation’s website:www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/award_extramile.html For more information, call 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664 or peihsf@edu.pe.ca

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For more information, contact:
Owen Parkhouse, President
PEI Home and School Federation
961-3250
Federation office: 620-3186/1800-916-0664

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PRESS RELEASE: - December 8, 2010 ------ WHAT IS WORKING IN OTHER PROVINCES AND COUNTRIES REGARDING PISA PERFORMANCE

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results which were released on December 7th, 2010 is a wake-up call for Prince Edward Island. Despite the good showing of Canada overall, PEI placed at the bottom of the list amongst all of the provinces. Everyone has a shared responsibility in the education and performance of our children not least of whom are parents. The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation (PEIHSF) looks forward to meeting with the Education and Early Childhood Development Minister, Doug Currie, in the near future to look at what is working in the other provinces and other countries to forge a strategy to bring PEI to the top of the list.

For more information, please contact:
Owen Parkhouse, President
PEI Home and School Federation
961-3250

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PRESS RELEASE: - Charlottetown, PE, November 26, 2010 -------- Home and School lost confidence in Board of Trustees of the ESD

At the November 25, 2010 meeting of the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation, board members discussed, at length, the Eastern School District Board of Trustees’ recent November public meeting and their current decision to cancel meetings over the next month.

It was determined that a statement be forwarded to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development requesting that this issue be resolved.

The statement is as follows:
"The PEI Home and School Federation has lost confidence in the Board of Trustees of the Eastern School District. The Board needs to be functional, accountable and more accessible to the public. At present this is not the case and it is vital that this issue be resolved."

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For further information, please contact:
Owen Parkhouse, President
Ph. 961-3250

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November 18, 2010

Home and School president shocked at dsyfuncton of Eastern School Board

MONTAGUE — The president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation says he was shocked at the steamrolling conduct exhibited during an Eastern School Board meeting here Wednesday night and will request an investigation by the Minister of Education. “I was totally distressed by what happened and I don’t think I was the only one,’’ said Owen Parkhouse who made a presentation... (more)

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June 4, 2010

What do cigarettes, alcohol and Red Bull have in common?

Group calls for energy drink restriction.
Some 'drinks are getting to toxic levels' doctor says. Young people soon won't be able to purchase any of them if the Canadian Home and School Federation has anything to say about it. The federation intends to renew efforts to ban the sale of so-called energy drinks to people under the legal age of majority due to health concerns over beverages such as Red Bull and Rockstar.

"It's our position that they should not be sold to minors because they have such high concentrations of caffeine," said Owen Parkhouse, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation. "I think it can develop into as bad a problem as cigarettes and alcohol, but caffeine is more of a socially acceptable addiction."
Click here for full story....

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May 13, 2010

Letter to Editor (The Guardian)

Dear Editor:

I am writing to comment on Dave Stewart’s article, in the Guardian dated May 13, 2010, on ‘Former mayor warns more school closures coming’. I would like to take this opportunity to say that successful school boards (and organizations) are known for their transparency and effective communications. The children and parents of all School Districts require
and welcome open and unfettered dialogue within their school board.

Regards,
Owen J.W. Parkhouse
President, PEI Home and School Federation

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National Teacher/Staff Appreciation
Week February 14 - 20, 2010

Charlottetown ---February 10, 2010 For the twenty-second consecutive year, Home and School Associations and Parent Councils across Canada are celebrating National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week which will be held February 14-20, 2010. Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week has become established as an annual celebration in support of teachers and other members of the school staff such as school secretaries, school nurses, teachers assistants, guidance counselors, custodians and bus drivers.

National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week was started in 1988 by the Canadian Home and School Federation. It is a way to give parents, grand parents, care givers and others concerned with children and their education the opportunity to join in nation-wide celebrations of support for Canada's schools and their teachers and other staff members.
The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation will honour two teachers and/or school staff with an Extra Mile Award. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify going the extra mile - over and above the call of duty. These individuals will be announced and a presentation made at their respective schools during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.

A National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week page has been developed on the PEI Home and School Federation’s website which provides unique organizational ideas collected from our member associations across PEI. The site includes a planning checklist, and tips on how to involve parents, students and community in celebrations to say thank you to teachers and staff in your school. Go to: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/

“This week we celebrate great people who inspire, encourage, guide and care for our children.” says Bill Whelan, President of the PEI Home and School Federation. “ The outstanding leadership provided by the recipients of the Extra Mile Award is a reflection of the good work of teachers and school staff in PEI’s school system.”
Find out more about Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week on our web site or call the PEI Home and School Federation office 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664.

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West Royalty Elementary School Staff Person Receives
Extra Mile Award during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week

Charlottetown----February 19, 2010 Doug Aitken, custodian, at West Royalty Elementary School was presented with the PEI Home and School Federation’s Extra Mile Award by Bill Whelan, President, on February 19, 2010.

This award honours a teacher or staff person in the school system who exemplifies going the ‘extra mile’ for students to achieve both academically and socially in their young lives.

“In my twenty-eight years in the education system, I cannot think of any individual more deserving than Doug to receive this prestigious award. There are many ways that Doug supports the students, staff and parents of our school community.” says principal, Ken Gaudet, “He is well respected by everyone!”

Mr. Aitken takes pride in every task undertaken to keep the school a happy and pleasant environment for all who work and learn in West Royalty Elementary School. Students having special needs are given the opportunity, under Doug’s guidance, to assist with house-keeping, recycling, mailing, plant care, and other tasks to enhance their skill development. He exemplifies all that is representative of the “Extra Mile Award.”

“All staff members in a school have a huge impact on our children’s lives, and deserve our appreciation and recognition,” says Bill Whelan. “We are delighted to recognize Mr. Doug Aitken as our Eastern School region’s 2010 Extra Mile Award recipient.”

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“He’s Not Average, He’s “Stew” - Kinkora
Teacher Receives Extra Mile Award

Kinkora ---February 18, 2010 Kevin Stewart, teacher, at Kinkora Regional High School was presented with the PEI Home and School Federation’s Extra Mile Award by board official, Anna MacDonald, on February 18, 2010. Affectionately known as “Stew”, Mr. Stewart has been the Grade Nine social studies teacher at Kinkora Regional High since the mid-nineties. He is known as a “creative and effective teacher” who communicates a passion for his subject and brings out the best in each student.

This award, honours a teacher or staff person in the school system who exemplifies going the ‘extra mile’ for students to achieve both academically and socially in their young lives. “Kinkora Parent Association is proud to nominate Kevin Stewart for this award. He leads by example, working side by side with students to teach them both in the classroom and in the community.” says parent, Patricia McKenna. Student Council Vice-President, Kaitlyn Sobey said, “He goes above and beyond what is required by your average teacher. He’s not average, he’s Stew.”

“Kevin Stewart has been extremely helpful for administration over the past two years, since I started as principal at KRHS. Mr. Stewart has a foundation of knowledge of all things KRHS. He is the person we seek out to see how things used to be done, and what worked and what did not work. Kevin puts in countless hours every week at school. He is here early in the morning and late into the evening. On most weekends you can see his Chev truck in the parking lot preparing for the week ahead. While visiting his classes, I have seen how he is prepared and has a structure for every class. Students are clear about the expectations in his class, he runs a tight ship. The students love Stew’s classes. As the Student Council advisor, he puts in long hours. Mr. Stewart is respected for being a great teacher by all who work with him and all he has taught.
says Donald Mulligan, principal Kinkora Regional High.

“Teachers and all staff members in a school have a huge impact on our children’s lives, and deserve our appreciation and recognition,” says Bill Whelan. “We are delighted to recognize Mr. Kevin Stewart as our Western School region 2010 Extra Mile Award recipient.”

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HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION WELCOMES PARENT INPUT
ON SCHOOL REZONING

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. "I am pleased that the trustees have accepted our recommendations and recognize the importance of slowing down the process to hear from parents," said Federation President Bill Whelan.

The trustees also voted to construct new classrooms at three Charlottetown schools identified as needing extra space to accommodate incoming kindergarten students. If this new construction is approved by government, the Federation questions the timing for rezoning a subset of schools for September 2010, as recommended by the trustees. "The only effective way to look at rezoning is to consider the entire school board. A piece-wise approach will fail to achieve education and transportation goals," said Whelan.

Federation President Bill Whelan requested a meeting with Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie to discuss school rezoning. "Minister Currie and I had a productive meeting on January 29. He obviously values input from Home and School, and he understands our position on rezoning," said Whelan.

The Federation plans to meet with the Eastern School District trustees to discuss a new process and timeline for comprehensive board-wide rezoning that will involve meaningful input from parents, teachers, principals and trustees.

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UPDATE REGARDING JANUARY 14/10 LETTER TO EASTERN SCHOOL BOARD CONCERNING REZONING

“The PEI Home and School Federation sent a letter on January 14, 2010 to Bob Clow,
Chairman of the Eastern School District Board of Trustees, requesting that the school board revise its policy on school rezoning to allow parents to be involved in the process
in more meaningful ways.

Specifically the Federation requested that the ad-hoc committee looking at rezoning be
expanded to include the principal and one parent from each of the schools to be
rezoned, and that the deadline to draft a rezoning report be extended by 2 months to
March 31, 2010.

The Federation’s position is that parents, principals and trustees need time to engage in
effective communication before a rezoning report is written. Parents must have an
opportunity to input and have their say on rezoning in a way that will have an impact on
the rezoning report.

On Thursday January 21, the Federation received word from Bob Clow that the trustees
were pleased to receive the letter, they are still considering the requests and are
discussing options. We look forward to an official response from the trustees.”

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PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION
FUNDRAISING GUIDELINES 2010

Charlottetown ----Over the past few years the Federation has received a number of inquiries from parents and principals regarding fundraising activities undertaken by local home and school associations / parent councils. We know that parents want to be involved in their child’s school community and are willing to support projects aimed to generate funds that benefit their child’s education. The approach to fundraising varies from school to school and this has led to some uncertainty as to the role of fundraising and to the acceptable use of the money raised.

In response to these inquiries and to provide greater clarity on fundraising, the Federation has drafted fundraising guidelines for local home and school associations / parent councils. These guidelines are designed to establish a process for the generation and distribution of funds raised through initiatives organized by home and school associations. With these guidelines, the Federation is seeking to align fundraising activities with the education priorities of the school as identified through the school development process. Click here for DRAFT Fundraising Guidelines.

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MINISTER ACKNOWLEDGES WORK OF HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS

The following is distributed by Island Information Service at the request of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, December 2, 2009 — Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan rose in the Legislature today to acknowledge the excellent work being done by Home and School associations to improve student learning.

“Parents have more influence on their children’s learning than anyone else. Home and School associations and parent groups deserve to be recognized for the excellent work they are doing to help parents become more involved their children’s learning and in their schools.”said Minister Greenan.

The PEI Home and School Federation has several innovative projects underway such as a new website that contains helpful information for parents on such topics as good homework practices, parent-teacher interview tips, and how to support student learning in intermediate and high school.

A new Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund offers grants of up to $350 to school-based parent groups in support of parent involvement. Last year, 80 per cent of Island schools participated in activities supported by the fund such as family math nights, homework help for parents, graduation guides, and parent information sessions on new curriculum.

Minister Greenan said the PEI Home and School Federation and la Fédération des parents are powerful advocates for high quality education in the province and its members are to be commended for the strong parent voice they bring to the education system. “We appreciate their excellent perspective and their great suggestions to improve communication and strengthen partnerships between parents and schools,” he said. “Home and School is helping to build a new culture in our schools that is engaging an even broader group of parents and encouraging them to be more involved in decisions that impact their children’s learning and their schools.”

For more information on Home and School activities visit www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf or www.federationdesparentsipe.ca

Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Department of Education
902 368 6449
http://www.gov.pe.ca/

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ATLANTIC HOME AND SCHOOL / SCHOOL COUNCIL
CAUCUS MEETS IN ST. JOHN'S NEWFOUNDLAND

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, November 5, 2009 ----- The 7th Annual Atlantic Caucus of Home and School/School Council Federations meeting took place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on the weekend of October 17, 2009. Representatives from the Home and School Federations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Federation of School Councils in Newfoundland Labrador participated in the meeting.

There was discussion on a variety of topics during the meeting and general consensus on the position of each provincial association regarding parental involvement in school; use of energy drinks by children and youth; and the need for consistency in school fees across the Atlantic region.

The Atlantic Home and School Caucus would like to see a high level of Parental Involvement in school-based activities. While parental involvement is occurring at some level at all schools, parents need to feel welcome at school, and strategies need to be developed to break down the barriers and include all parents.

The Atlantic Home and School Caucus is concerned with the availability of energy drinks to children and youth. They support the existing ban in Newfoundland Labrador and Prince Edward Island on the consumption of energy drinks on school property; and encourage the other two provinces to implement similar bans. The Atlantic Caucus further supports a ban on the sale and marketing of energy drinks to minors.

The Atlantic Caucus would also like to see some consistency in school fees that are charged to parents in each province and encourages the development of guidelines similar to the ones introduced in Newfoundland Labrador in the 2006-07 school year.

Ruby Hoskins, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils (NLFSC) says, “There is tremendous benefit in having all four Atlantic Provinces meeting on an annual basis. It provides an opportunity for each of us to discuss our common concerns as well as share and highlight our educational successes. I would like to thank the Department of Education, Newfoundland Labrador, for their support of our meeting.”

Cynthia Richards says, “As the President, of the New Brunswick Federation of Home and School Associations Inc.(NBFHSAI), I would like to concur with Ruby Hoskins in her opinion of the benefits that Atlantic Caucus provides each of our individual provinces and the Atlantic region as a whole. This annual meeting provides the venue to discuss the issues we are dealing with in our respective provinces which also have far reaching implications for our children and education in the entire region.”

"This high level of regional collaboration and cooperation among parents talking about education builds a better understanding of the many challenges that face children, parents, teachers and administrators in all four Atlantic provinces, and collectively will lead to a road map for the future." says Bill Whelan, President, PEI Home and School Federation (PEIHSF).

The Atlantic Caucus of Home and School/School Council Federations purpose is to encourage discussion on common issues in public education in Atlantic Canada and bring added value to provincial associations.

For more information, contact:

Bill Whelan, President, PEIHSF, Telephone: 902-566-0419
Ruby Hoskins, President, NLFSC, Telephone: 709-279-2789
Cynthia Richards, President, NBFHSAI, Telephone: 506-451-6247
Janet Walsh, President, NSFHSA: Telephone: 902-864-0235

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REVISED MATH CURRICULUM 2009

Parents, Students, Teachers, Community Members Working Together in Mathematics Education - The PEI math curriculum has been revised at grades 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8. New textbooks and resources will be introduced in these grades in September 2009, and later in grades 3,5,6 and 9.......(more)
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"THE PEI HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION OFFERS FUNDING FOR PARENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR CHILDREN'S LEARNING"

The following is distributed by Island Information Service at the request of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the PEI Home and School Federation. Home and School Federation Offers Funding for Parents to Participate in their Children’s Learning

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island, October 21, 2009 - New funding is now available to support parents who want to become more involved in their children’s learning, says Bill Whelan, president of the PEI Home and School Federation.

“The PEI Home and School Federation is providing grants of up to $350 to school-based parent groups to support events, projects or training in support of parent involvement,” said Whelan. “Parent involvement is the key piece in the education puzzle because it enhances everything the education system has to offer. By funding these parent-led, school-partnered projects, we are showing parents that they have an important role to play, that they are valued as education partners and that their opinions matter. This is what home and school is all about.”

School-based parent groups, including home and school associations and school councils in the three school boards can apply for grants to support a new project or to continue an existing one.

“With 80 per cent of Island schools participating, there was an overwhelming response to the Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund when it was first introduced last year,” said Whelan. “We hope to build on that success with this second round of funding in the amount of $25,000.”

Last year, the fund supported such activities as art expos, back-to-school barbeques, family math nights, homework help for parents, and information nights on new programs and curriculum.

Among the 56 projects funded last year was a Graduation Guide for Parents which was compiled for parents of students at Kinkora Regional High School. The guide, website and information sessions provided parents with information relating to graduation, as well as scholarships, bursaries, student loan information and deadlines.

Eliot River Elementary School received a grant to host a Write Night at the school where grade 6 students made a presentation on what is involved in writing to a large turnout of parents, students and teachers. By learning more about the six traits of writing, parents were able to understand more about what their children were learning and how they could help at home. The students were very motivated by the interest and support that parents showed in their writing as a result of the project.

Parkside Elementary parents hosted a Family Fun Night to encourage parents to become more involved in the school. The evening was a new and enjoyable experience for parents to interact with their child’s teachers and discuss subjects other than academic progress or behavioural issues. Students enjoyed the opportunity to show their parents around their school.

“The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is very pleased to support the PEI Home and School Federation and its parent engagement strategy,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan. “Parents have more influence on their children’s learning than anyone else and we are encouraged by the grassroots momentum that has been initiated by parents across the Island to improve student success.”

Grant proposals will be received from October 28, 2009 until June 16, 2010. Projects should be completed by August 31, 2010.

Project ideas are outlined in a proposal kit and stories on the Home and School Federation website. For more information, call 620-3186 or1-800-916-0664, or visit www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/

FOR BROADCAST USE:
School-based parent groups may now access grants of up to $350 from the provincial Home and School Federation to support events, projects or training in support of parent involvement, says Bill Whelan, president of the Federation.

“By funding these parent-led, school-partnered projects, we are showing parents that they have an important role to play, that they are valued as education partners and that their opinions matter. This is what home and school is all about.”

Project ideas are outlined in stories and a proposal kit on the Home and School Federation website.

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Media Contacts:
Jean Doherty
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
902 368 6449
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca

Bill Whelan
President, PEI Home and School Federation
902 566 0419
wwhelan@upei.ca

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TRACADIE CROSS CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
RECEIVES HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION AWARD

TRACADIE CROSS - PE, June 23, 2009 - On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation presented a School Bus Driver of the Year Award to Leonard Mullen, bus driver for Tracadie Cross Consolidated School.

“Dear Leonard, you keep me safe every day. You are always so funny and put a smile on my face. Oh, what a wonderful bus driver you are. For so many years you have kept me safe, so thank you Leonard.” Sincerely, (Student) at Tracadie Cross Consolidated.

It is difficult to sum up in a short paragraph the wonderful contribution Leonard has made to the education system over his career that has spanned nearly four decades! He has welcomed hundreds of anxious faces to their first day of school. He carefully and conscientiously drives our children to and from school each day. He has earned the respect of his passengers through his dry wit and his concern for each student.

“Leonard was selected as the Eastern School District recipient for outstanding service in keeping children safe as they travel to and from school each day – driving capably and professionally, teaching students about safety, managing behaviour, and caring for the well-being of every child, every day of the school year.” says Bill Whelan, President of the PEI Home and School Federation.

Bus drivers are the first school employees our children see each day, and the last at the end of the day. Many children spend hours every week on the bus, and the quality of that experience makes a big difference to their lives. The Federation is pleased to recognize Leonard Mullen as our Eastern School District 2009 School Bus Driver of the Year.

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"KINKORA REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
RECEIVES HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION AWARD"

KINKORA - PE. June 19, 2009 - On June 18, 2009, the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation presented a School Bus Driver Award to Victor Martin, bus driver for Kinkora Regional High School at the graduation ceremonies.

“Victor was selected as the Western School Board recipient for outstanding service in keeping children safe as they travel to and from school each day – driving capably and professionally, teaching students about safety, managing behaviour, and caring for the well-being of every child, every day of the school year.” says Bill Whelan, President of the PEI Home and School Federation.

“Through Victor’s actions, our children have learned all about respect, professionalism, and kindness. He treats the students on his bus so well, they consider him a friend and have developed a great respect for him and the work he has to do.” says one parent.

A student recognized that, “Mr. Martin treats each and every student the same and as if they were one of his own family...treating us with respect and at the same time he demands respect and courtesy.”

Bus drivers are the first school employees our children see each day, and the last at the end of the day. Many children spend hours every week on the bus, and the quality of that experience makes a big difference to their lives. The Federation is pleased to recognize Victor Martin as our Western School Board 2009 School Bus Driver of the Year.

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"Parent Engagement Survey Results"

HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION LAUNCHES SURVEY RESULTS

CHARLOTTETOWN - PE, April 30, 2009 - The PEI Home and School Federation released highlights of its parent engagement survey at their Annual Meeting/Convention held on Saturday, April 18 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.

This survey of parents of school-aged children in PEI, carried out by consultant Vicki Bryanton and funded by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Education, explored issues related to parent engagement in their children’s education. A total of 704 surveys were submitted from October to December 2008, representing parents of 1,234 school-aged children. The survey asked questions about communications, parent-teacher interviews, volunteering, special needs, instructional time and homework.

Almost two-thirds of parents indicated that they felt supported a great deal by their school as a partner in their child’s education, and a further 30% felt somewhat supported. Comments indicated that communication between parents and teachers, or parents and administrators, played a large role in whether or not parents felt supported.

Ninety-nine percent of parents reported that they had attended parent-teachers interviews and over 90% reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the meetings. Eighty-nine percent of parents attended events or activities at the school. Sixty percent had been involved in fund raising and 53% had volunteered for some event or activity for the school. Only 31% reported having been involved in their Home and School or School Council.
One-fifth of parents indicated that they had a child with special needs. Of those parents, 25% were very satisfied with the school’s response to their child’s special needs and a further 34% were satisfied. Twenty-three percent were somewhat dissatisfied and 19% were very dissatisfied.

Among parents of elementary students, 44% were very comfortable helping their child with homework and a further 40% were mostly comfortable. Among parents of intermediate and high school students, a smaller share, 30%, were very comfortable, but 50% reported feeling mostly comfortable.

Almost three-quarters of parents felt that their child was receiving enough instructional time at school, and a similar number felt their child was challenged enough. However a significant minority, almost one-fifth of parents, felt that their children were not receiving enough instructional time and 22% felt their children were not challenged enough.

Among parents with preschoolers, 53%, were in favor of full-day kindergarten, while 40% preferred half-day and 7% were unsure.

"As parents, we want our children to receive the best possible education. This survey tells us more about how parents are involved in the school community and how they support their children's education in meaningful ways," says Bill Whelan, President Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan commends the Home and School Federation for gathering parent input to inform their work. "Parents have a major role to play in our education system. The comprehensive input they provided through the survey will be helpful to all of us as we work together to help students succeed," he said.

The results will be used by the federation to develop new initiatives in support of improved parent involvement in education. The compete survey results can be found on the federation’s website www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf .

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Home and School Celebrates Parent Engagement Initiatives

Home and School Federation launches initiatives to increase
parent involvement in their children’s learning

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, October 16, 2008 — Parents, students and educators gathered at Sherwood Elementary School today to launch several new Home and School initiatives that will help parents to become more active partners in their children’s learning.
Bill Whelan, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, provided a progress update on the Federation’s three-part strategy to identify parent needs, increase access to parent information, and develop school-based initiatives that help parents become more involved in schools and learning.

“Research tells us that when it comes to education, parents matter,” says Whelan. “Children whose parents are actively involved in their learning perform better in school and they have higher education and career goals. Schools that encourage parents to be partners in their children’s learning are able to offer healthier school environments.”

The Federation encourages parents to visit the new Home and School web site at www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf. The site contains helpful information such as homework tips, how to prepare for parent-teacher interviews and how to support the development of literacy and numeracy skills. There is a section on education initiatives and events in local school communities. The site also includes information on advocacy efforts such as Home and School resolutions and position papers.

All parents of school-aged children are encouraged to visit the site and complete the Federation’s new online parent survey which includes questions on communications, parent-teacher meetings, volunteering, special needs, use of instructional time and homework. The survey results will identify how parents are involved in learning and what barriers they face at home and in the school. Print copies of the survey are also available in schools.

Mr. Whelan outlined steps taken recently by the Federation and school principals to increase parent involvement in six key areas. These included training parents to become effective school volunteers, introducing newcomer parents to schools, helping parents to understand curricula, increasing father engagement in reading development, engaging parents in family math activities, and providing professional development opportunities for parents to support learning.

Projects were developed in the six areas. Pilot projects are now underway at 12 schools to test their effectiveness. The results of the projects will be shared with all schools and new projects will be supported as part of the second phase of the strategy.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan commended the members of the Federation and thanked them for their excellent work. “Parents know their children best and they have more influence on their learning than anyone else. The extent to which learning is valued and supported at home has a huge influence on a student’s success throughout the school years,” he said. “We are pleased to offer Home and School our continued support because they are very knowledgeable and committed parents who know what works best to increase parent involvement in their own schools.”

For more information on parent involvement initiatives or the PEI Home and School Federation, visit www.edu.pe,ca/peihsf or contact Shirley Jay at 902 368 6186.

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National Bus Safety Week , October 20-24, 2008

Teachers and students in Prince Edward Island can mark School Bus Safety Week by becoming more aware of how to be safe around and in buses.

SAFE Program launched in PEI, September 18, 2008

The SAFE (School Action for Emergencies) Program has officially launched in PEI.

Verbal Abuse Prevention Week, October 5 - 11, 2008

Verbal Abuse Prevention Week raises awareness
People need to consider impact of their words...

Most people remember the rhyme: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” However, that’s not true as verbal assaults can cause a great deal of hurt.

Verbal Abuse, is a form of abusive behaviour involving the use of language in a negative way. It can seriously interfere with a person’s positive emotional development and can lead to a significant detriment to their self-esteem, emotional well-being and physical state. It can occur to individuals of any race, culture, age or gender and can increase in intensity over time. It often escalates to physical abuse. When it happens in and around Island schools, it is called bullying, and it impacts negatively on the health and safety of children.

The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation, along with other prominent organizations, is committed to raising awareness of bullying and promoting verbal abuse prevention. This is a direct result of the inspired efforts of Tami Martell, an Island mother of six, who took a leadership role in September 1998 by walking across PEI to raise awareness of verbal abuse. “We must continue prevention efforts in our homes, schools and communities.” says Martell.

P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz, who recently officially declared the week of October 5-11, 2008 as Verbal Abuse Prevention Week in PEI, urges all citizens to consider the impact of their words, and to support those who have been verbally abused or who have experienced violence in their lives and to guide them towards help and healing.

The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation supports Martell’s efforts to raise awareness on what has become a social epidemic says Bill Whelan, president of the federation. “As a parent, I need to recognize the signs of bullying so that I can take action to help my children.”