A new look to year-end activities: Pandemic forces teachers, students, parents to learn, adjust and support each other.
During these unprecedented times, we continue to learn and adjust our usual habits working through this global pandemic. Continue to support our school communities and neighbours and follow the advice of chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
Congratulations are extended to all those students graduating from high school. Schools are excitedly working on plans for High School Graduations and year end closing activities, within the public health guidelines outlined by the Chief Public Health Office. While activities will not look the same as in previous years, schools are committed to offering a unique experience to mark the end of the school year and wish their students well.
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is seeking feedback regarding your experience with learning remotely. We will compile all information and send to Minister Trivers for consideration. Please send any feedback to us at peihsf@edu.pe.ca.
Volunteers are an important part of every school community. June is an excellent time to invite new volunteers to join the team. Parents and teachers will team up to plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Contact your home and school president or school principal to find out how you can get involved in your child’s school life. If you need guidance, contact the Federation office: peihsf@edu.pe.ca
The 67th Annual General Meeting will be held in the fall. The date and detailswill be posted when plans are finalized. The 2020 Book of Reports is posted on the federation’s website. Local home and school presidents are encouraged to add Covid-19 stories to their annual reports. The Book of Reports is being updated as reports are received. Submit revised reports to: peihsf@edu.pe.ca
As restrictions are being lifted, Public Schools Branch staff are excited that there are greater opportunities to connect with students to support academic and well-being needs. Teachers will be reaching out to their students with options they can participate in. Respite Programming will begin operating at all 56 Public School Branch schools. Please contact .r,espite@edu.pe.ca or (902) 368-4997 for more information.
The P.E.I. School Food Project program has provided over 48,000 (June 5/20)meals to children across the island experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all of the hard working chefs in our six hubs who have prepared and continue to prepare these delicious and nutritious meals! Check out the P.E.I. School Food Project Facebook page to see the amazing food being provided to students during the pandemic. Do you know of families who need food supports? Let them know they can contact the Support for Families information line at (902) 368-5155 or supportforfamilies@edu.pe.ca.
As regular activities and deadlines are changing on a daily basis, Home and Schools are encouraged to submit for school bus driver and crossing guard awards nominations by June. Presentation arrangements will be coordinated with schools. Be sure to include support letters from home and school presidents, parents, students, principals and other school staff. Send nominations to peihsf@edu.pe.ca Find more details at: https://peihsf.ca/awards
Home and School’s Parent Leadership Projects have been given approval to move their projects to the fall when school resumes. For information, contact: 902-620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664 / 902-218-8916(cell) / peihsf@edu.pe.ca
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Cory Thomas, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in Summerside with his wife and two children, who both attend Elm Street Elementary School.
His column appears in The Guardian during the school year on the first Friday of the month. He welcomes comments from readers and information for the column. He
can be reached at peihsf.ca or 902-620-3186.