Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation

Press Releases 2009

Minister Acknowledges Work of Home and School Associations

Education and Early Childhood Development

December 2, 2009 For immediate release.......... 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 in 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 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

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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.

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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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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/

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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"

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-teacher 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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"SUSAN KEIZER OF TRACADIE CROSS CONSOLIDATED
SCHOOL RECEIVES EXTRA MILE AWARD"

TRACADIE CROSS- PE, -- February 27, 2009 -------------The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation’s Extra Mile Award was presented to Susan Keizer, teacher, of Tracadie Cross Consolidated School on February 27, 2009. The award, presented by Bill Whelan, President, 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.

Ms. Keizer has been a teacher for fourteen years at Tracadie Cross school and goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to staff, students, families. “She is much more than just a resource teacher, she is the bright smile that welcomes everyone into the school every morning and is there to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone who may need it.”, says Paula Griffin, Treasurer, Tracadie Cross Home and School Association. Her nurturing manner promotes equality among the students regardless of their situation. She takes a personal interest in every student. Whether it is a student’s difficulty in reading, writing, spelling, a personal problem, tragedy, or simply wet socks, she takes it upon herself to do what she can to make that child feel valued and cared for.

Student letters express much admiration for Ms. Keizer: “She is our guardian angel ....without her this school would be just a school....she goes the extra mile every single day. Well, actually she’d go more than a mile, she’d go across the world!” “She works in Reading Recovery and helps students read better.” “She taught me to read and by the time I was in grade three, I was reading really thick books.” “... she is always in a good mood.”

“Teachers and staff have a huge impact on our children’s lives, and deserve our appreciation and recognition,” says Bill Whelan. “We are delighted to recognize Mrs. Susan Keizer for our 2009 Extra Mile Award in the Eastern School District.”

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"HOME AND SCHOOL FEDERATION ESTABLISHES
PARENT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY FUND"

CHARLOTTETOWN-PE, -- February 13, 2009 -------------The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation has established a new fund to help parents be more involved in their children’s learning.

The new $25,000 Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund supports school-based initiatives that enhance the participation of parents in their children's learning through such activities as helping with homework, serving on Home and School organizations, communicating, working and meeting with teachers to reinforce learning, volunteering in the classroom or on school trips, and providing leadership in learning activities in and out of school.

Through the new fund, school-based parent groups, including home and school associations and school councils in the three school boards can access grants of up to $350 to support events, projects or training in support of parent engagement. The grants may be used to develop a new project or to continue an existing one. Project ideas are outlined in a proposal kit on the Home and School Federation website at www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/

Proposals will be reviewed bi-weekly until June 15, 2009. Projects should be completed by August 31, 2009. The Federation is organizing leadership workshops on how to develop proposals. Workshops are scheduled as follows: Monday, February 23/09, 12 noon - 1:00 p.m., Atlantic Superstore Community Room, Granville Street, Summerside; and Tuesday, February 24/09, 12 noon - 1:00 p.m., Royalty Centre (Room 236), 40 Enman Crescent, Charlottetown.

The Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund is part of the federation’s parent engagement initiative which is supported by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The Federation’s vision is to assist parents in helping their children be successful as children, as students, as citizens and as lifelong learners.

For more information, call 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664 or visit www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/

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"ANNE FARRELL-GAUDET OF PARKSIDE ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL RECEIVES EXTRA MILE AWARD"

SUMMERSIDE, PEI -- February 11, 2009 -------------The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation’s Extra Mile Award was presented to Anne Farrell-Gaudet, teacher, of Parkside Elementary School, February 11, 2009. The award, presented by Bill Whelan, President, 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.

Mrs. Farrell-Gaudet has been an inspiration to MANY students and Staff at Parkside through her years of teaching playing a key role in literacy development at Parkside School. For a number of years she has organized a variety of activities including: reading groups to raise reading and comprehension skill levels in her students; led parent information sessions on reading strategies; supported the Home and School in hosting a Literacy Fair; and oversees a noon hour book club.

Taking time for extras, Anne decorates the school making the atmosphere pleasant for students, staff and all who come into Parkside school. She organizes a number of creative educational clubs/events for students including: a drama club; an environment club to help the children better understand the earth and how students can play a part in making our homes, schools and communities a “greener” place in which to live, work and play; a healthy eating carrot and celery sales for the students. These are some of the many valuable contributions Mrs. Gaudet brings to the school population at Parkside Elementary.

“Anne is indeed a teacher who has gone the extra mile.”, says Chrysta Blanchard, President Parkside Home and School Association. “She loves children and is committed to creating a respectful and caring environment. She views her career as a "calling", not as a "job", and there is no end to the paths she will follow to help children grow academically, emotionally, and personally.”

“Teachers and staff have a huge impact on our children’s lives, and deserve our appreciation and recognition,” says Bill Whelan. “We are delighted to recognize Ms. Farrell-Gaudet for our 2009 Extra Mile Award in the Western School Board.”

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"22 YEARS OF CELEBRATING NATIONAL
TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK"

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- February 6, 2009 ------------ National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week has become established as an annual celebration in support of teachers and school staff including educational assistants, guidance counsellors, administrators, secretaries, custodians and bus drivers. Home and School Association and School Council members know that it is essential that our competent and caring educators have the support and involvement of parents and the community.

The 22nd National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week works to encourage parents and the wider community to recognize the important contributions, both personal and professional, of teachers and school staff to the lives of children and their education.

The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation will honour two teachers and/or school staff with an Extra Mile Award during this special week. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify going the extra mile - over and above the call of duty. The two recipients 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 the community in celebrations to say thank you to teachers and staff members in your school. Go to: www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/ and click on “Ideas From Across Prince Edward Island.

Bill Whelan, President of the PEI Home and School Federation says, “This week we celebrate great people who inspire, encourage, guide and care for our children. They make a difference every day, so that our children can succeed as students and citizens”

If you have any questions on T/SAW or would like to find out more about the PEI Home and School Federation, please call us at 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664.