Helping P.E.I. kids learn, grow

‘Look for the helpers’. This quote from Mister Rogers has rightly received more attention over the last few years. As we enter a new school year, I want to point out the many helpers in your school community. From the administrators to the teachers, the custodians to the personal support workers, the behavioural interventionists to the EAL/FAL team and everyone in between, the staff working in our schools have intentionally chosen a profession that helps our children learn and grow. They give of their time, resources and talents to ensure that the children entrusted to their care receive the best education possible.

Parents and community members are also helpers. There are so many individuals giving their time through local Home and School associations, school breakfast programs, classroom volunteering and more to ensure that children and teachers have a positive school experience. This collaboration between the home and school is the bedrock of a quality education that seeks the total well-being of each child.

As this new school year begins, I want to encourage parents and community members to look for ways to help. Talk to your principal and local home and school associations. See where the needs are and choose to get involved. There are students whose education will be impacted because of your choice!

My deep hope for the 2026-2027 school year is for schools and families to collaborate together with kindness so that students receive the best possible educational experience. Our school communities are stronger when we work together. While the school year will have challenges and there will be times when things do not go as planned, I hope that we can choose kindness and respect in all of our interactions. Our children are watching us and every exchange they see is an opportunity for them to witness the adults in their life choose kindness and respect, even when it can be hard. What is your deep hope for the new school year? How can you let that deep hope guide you in the days, weeks and months ahead? Consider sharing your deep hope with your child so they know how invested you are in their school experience this year.

At the Federation level, we have heard an increasing desire for more networking opportunities between local Home and School associations. There are many amazing things happening in schools across the province that need to be shared with a wider audience. At the Home and School Federation’s Semi-Annual meeting on Tuesday, October 20th, 6-9 pm, at Gulf Shore Consolidated School, there is going to be time set aside to share success stories and learn about innovative ways local Home and Schools are serving their communities. I strongly encourage you to prioritize this meeting and to come ready to learn and ready to share!

~~~Author Tom Deelstra is president of the PEI Home and School Federation. He lives in Stratford with his wife and four children, who attend Charlottetown Rural, Birchwood Intermediate, and Stratford Elementary. Our schools are better when we work together.