Posts by Shirley Smedley-Jay
Help make resolutions reality: P.E.I. Home and School Federation helps create safe spaces for learning
Every New Year, we make resolutions we hope will change our lives. On Prince Edward Island, there is a quieter kind of resolution that changes children’s lives – resolutions debated and passed each spring at the Home and School Federation’s annual general meeting. These ten resolutions, drafted around kitchen tables and school gyms, have shaped…
Read MoreBullying needs to end on P.E.I. Let’s pledge to build safe, welcoming environments where every child feels valued
No more excuses, no more bystanders! It’s time for Prince Edward Island to stop the bull and confront a hard truth: bullying remains a serious problem in our homes, neighbourhoods, and schools. The latest COMPASS survey shows that 30% of PEI students report being bullied each year. This figure hasn’t budged over the last three…
Read MoreBetter Elections equals stronger communities
Congratulations to all new school board trustees. Your role is vital in maintaining a strong voice for all islanders in shaping education policy, providing accountability, and representing your community. When Islanders last voted for school trustees in 2022, only two percent of eligible voters took part. Early reports from this fall’s vote suggest turnout was…
Read MoreP.E.I. schools and families need open dialogue
Conversations about child protection, abuse, and violence are never easy, but they are necessary. These issues affect every school and community, and the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation is calling on parents, educators, and community members to come together for open, honest discussions. The Federation’s semi-annual meeting, held Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, from…
Read MoreChild Protection Information Session
Child Protection Information Session REGISTER for Child Protection Speakers Event details What: PEI Home and School Federation Semi-Annual Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Time: 5:45 – 8:00 PM Where: Central Queens Elementary School, 19821 Rte. 2, Hunter River Speakers: Karen Kibsey, expert/senior Manager from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, Winnipeg, MB will present…
Read MoreResponsibilites of School Board Trustees
Responsibilities of School Board Trustees in PEI Elected trustees for the Public Schools Branch (PSB) and the Commission scolaire de langue française (CSLF) are responsible for governance and oversight, not daily operations. Their key areas include: Governance & Oversight Approving budgets and financial plans: Trustees review and approve how funds are allocated within the board’s…
Read MoreProtecting children more than road safety
A new school year brings familiar routines of backpacks, timetables, and reminders to slow down for those big yellow school buses. Road safety matters — but so does something less visible and just as critical: protecting children from harm inside our schools. No responsibility is more important than the safety and well-being of our children.…
Read MoreNEWS: Watch for students in September…Register for Semi-Annual…Vote in school trustee elections…
🍎 Watch for students on the road Another school year has begun. Children walk, cycle, or ride to school on a bus or travel in their family cars. This is the time to remind all motorists that children can get to school and back home safely with awareness and education. Find out more info on…
Read MorePrince Edward Island Independent Review of the Education Authorities For Immediate Release August 18, 2025 Charlottetown, PE –
The Independent Review seeks to engage interested persons and organizations who would like to be heard. All interested members of the public and public organizations who wish to participate are invited to make written submissions. The Commissioner will consider all relevant information received. Effective June 3rd, The Minister of Education appointed the Honourable David H.…
Read MoreHow to register your child for kindergarten
Kindergarten is an exciting and important milestone in your child’s education. To help make the move to the public school system easier, you must first register your child with your local school. You can also help your child feel confident and supported for this transition with some practical tips. Kindergarten Registration Children turning five years…
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