Federation prepares to mark 60th anniversary
Associations reminded that the deadline to submit resolutions is Jan. 31
The PEI Home and School Federation wishes all Islanders a Happy and Healthy New Year!
2013 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation. The following is an excerpt from History 1953-1973 – The Prince Edward Island Federation of Home and School Associations, compiled by the late Hesta MacDonald, President 1965-1967. “This publication was made possible through a grant from the Prince Edward Island 1973 Centennial Commission. “On January 29, 1953, twenty-three local Home and School Associations in Prince Edward Island formed a Provincial Federation and became affiliated with the Canadian Home and School and Parent-Teacher Federation.
An organizational meeting was held at Prince of Wales College auditorium with 102 delegates representing 23 Home and School Associations in attendance at which time Mrs. M. J. Doyle (North Rustico) moved and Rev. Mr. Paterson (Georgetown) seconded a motion that this meeting form a P.E.I. Home and School Federation. This was adopted unanimously. Thus was born the P.E.I. Federation of Home and School Associations with Mrs. J. Gordon (Helen) MacDonald (Charlottetown) as its able first president.” See more at: https://peihsf.ca/content/history
The federation is making plans to celebrate this achievement with all our members throughout the year. It would also appreciate hearing from parents/guardians ideas and suggestions as to how to share this success with local associations and members across the province.
The federation’s goals and activities work to support and encourage parent engagement in P.E.I.’s education system for the purpose of raising expectations on student achievement. Parents are reminded that resolutions are the single most important tool that home and school can use to influence decision makers in government and school boards. Member Home and Schools may submit resolutions to the federation by Jan. 31.
In order to start the process of creating good resolutions that reflect current educational issues, the federation will host a brainstorming session at Harmony House Theatre, Hunter River, Jan. 29th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Home and School Association presidents are encouraged to send representatives to be part of the discussion. Call 620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664 for more information.
On Jan. 9, Elm Street Elementary School will be awarded the Welcome to Kindergarten Partnership Excellence Award. Elm Street is one of only five schools selected nationally.
Not only does it receive national recognition for its outstanding work with community and families, it will be presented with a plaque and a cheque for $1000 at a school assembly. Congratulations for this recognition!
Welcome to Kindergarten is a Learning Partnership Initiative that parents use to help encourage their children’s success when entering the school system.
Literacy and numeracy tips are provided to parents during a parent/child workshop including: Letters and Numbers (talking about letters and numbers and doing activities with your child will help your them develop number and letter awareness), books (reading to your child will help to develop your child’s listening skills and create an interest in stories and print), crayons, paper, glue, scissors (art activities will help your child develop the finger control and coordination they need for writing), playdough (this also helps children develop the finger control and coordination they need for writing).
Parents are a child’s first teacher and by creating opportunities to engage your child in these activities you are creating the beginnings of a successful learning experience for them.
Home and School Associations are reminded that the Extra Mile Award nomination deadline is Jan. 18. Consider nominating a deserving teacher or staff member who goes the extra mile for students in your local school community. Find nomination information at: http://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf/TSAWeek.html
The 2013 National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is Feb. 10-16.
It is a great opportunity for Home and Schools to recognize the hard work of our teachers and school staff.
Create a committee to plan something special.
The PEIHSF has resolved to help parents become more involved in their student’s learning. Join in the educational conversations through Local Home and School Associations.
Let’s work together with the minister of education and early childhood development, trustees, and educators to advocate for the best possible education system for Island students.