Federation holds successful Semi-Annual meeting
Home & School & You – November 2012
Written by Pam Montgomery, President
The past month has seen the PEI Home and School Federation and all of its locals working hard to advocate and support the best possible education and the total well being of our Island students. The federation, along with its partners in education, is striving to encourage parent/guardian engagement in the education system and provide helpful supports to encourage their participation in their student’s education.
On October 30 the P.E.I. Home and School Federation hosted its semi-annual meeting at the Kinkora Community Center. During the meeting, the membership was introduced to the newly appointed Chair and other incoming trustees of the English Language School Board.
The federation was also presented with a snapshot of the P.E.I. Youth Health SHAPES survey results data and participated in an engaging dialogue on the federation’s resolutions.
The survey, which is a joint project of the departments of health and education and UPEI, provides insights into the mental fitness, physical activity and healthy eating behaviors of Island students from Grades 5-12. The results direct educators and parents to take action on working together to improve health and wellness of our children in the home, the school and in our communities. Full results are at: http://www.upei.ca/cshr/SHAPES
The federation was pleased to have Education and Early Childhood Development, Minister Alan McIsaac, Interim superintendent Jane McMillan, and Sandy MacDonald, deputy minister of education and early childhood, attend the semi-annual meeting. They provided frank and insightful responses to our resolutions and other questions, as well as important education issues raised by delegates.
The federation’s resolutions concern issues that impact students’ education and learning. When they are approved at an annual meeting, they are presented to decision-makers such as government and school boards. This is the time of the year for local Home and School groups to consider areas they feel need attention or change in schools. Local home and school resolutions will be presented at the federation’s annual general meeting in April for debate and consideration of adoption.
The federation has announced a new round of Parent Leadership Grants for the 2012-13 academic year. These provide opportunity for parents/guardians to continue their involvement in supporting student achievement. Project guidelines and information can be found on the federation’s website at https://peihsf.ca/content/parent-leadership-grants or by calling the office at 620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664.
As November gets underway, take some time to reflect upon and remember the commitment and sacrifice of those who have served and are serving in the country's armed forces to protect the rights and freedoms everyone values and enjoys in Canada.