Annual conference set for April 15

March is here, which means the beginning of spring, students returning to school on Monday after a two-week break, and daylight saving. As the 2023 Canada Games wrap up this weekend, congratulations to all the participants and winners, both local and visitors. We hope your visit to the island was memorable.

The 70th Annual General Meeting conference is quickly approaching with the federation’s Knowledge, Collaboration, & Success for the Next Generation event April 15 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

Speakers will include Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Natalie Jameson, and Lt.-Gov. Antionette Perry. Delegates will participate in round table conversations about student well-being, diversity, and Home and School Successes & Challenges. Experts from P.E.I.’s student well-being teams, education diversity consultants and local presidents will be the resources for these small groups. More information about the business meeting including resolutions and registration is at https://:peihsf.ca/agm/ or by calling 902-620-3186. Register online by midnight on March 24 to be entered into the early bird draw for an overnight stay at the Rodd Charlottetown.

The Home and School Association annual reports have been extended to March 10 to allow association presidents more time to write and submit reports following the school break. Every Home and School Association president is encouraged to submit a report. Use the NEW President’s Google 2023 Report Form or  https://peihsf.ca/agm/ or send a Word document to Kelly at info@peihsf.ca. Remember, since these reports are part of history, be detailed and thorough in reporting for the year.

A Home and School volunteer is recognized annually for his or her efforts in their local school with the Steve McQuaid Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition, a Life Membership is recognized when deemed appropriate with this person’s contributions, locally and provincially. Review the awards’ criteria at https://peihsf.ca/awards/  and submit nominations by March 9.

The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is the umbrella organization of Home and Schools across the Island, overseen by a volunteer board elected by delegates from member Home and School Associations. Every year at the annual meeting, elections are held for vacant positions on the board, and members are encouraged to nominate suitable candidates with the necessary qualifications to do the work of the provincial federation. Access the 2023 nomination form at https://peihsf.ca/agm. This is an opportunity to work with partners in education and help advance P.E.I.’s students. So put your name in the hat and bring your skill sets to the board table. New perspectives and knowledge are what the federation needs.

Have you met the trustee for your school zone? The Public Schools Branch board of trustees will host a public meeting on March 7, 7:30 p.m. at Gulf Shore Consolidated School, 185 Hilltop Avenue, North Rustico. Members of the public are welcome.

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Dionne Tuplin, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in the Tyne Valley area, with her husband and four children, who attend Ellerslie Elementary School, Hernewood Intermediate and Westisle Composite High School. A Home and School column appears in The Guardian during the school year on the first Friday of the month. For questions about this column or to find out more about the work of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, contact peihsf@gov.pe.ca or 902-620-3186/1-800-916-0664.