The new year a good time for students to set new goals

Parents, for the most part, hold the strongest influence over a child’s desire to learn. Helping children to identify some specific educational goals will assist in increasing their learning success in the 106 instructional days remaining in the 2013-2014 school year.

Children who have a say in what they are learning take ownership and are more motivated to succeed which may lead to positive student achievement. Kids will take learning more seriously, in part because they see the benefits of their own efforts.

In order to be successful in school and in life, kids need to be able to make their own decisions and learn how to guide their own behavior. Setting goals helps them make the connection between personal choices and the results.

Personal learning goals are determined by the student, while curriculum outcomes are set by the school system. Personal learning goals can help a student feel successful despite their standing in relation to the rest of the class. Parents can participate in this process by helping children and youth to consider and feel confident about setting a personal goal, and then encourage them to work toward it.

Teach children learning skills that keep on giving for life!  And, don’t forget that nutrition and overall health is connected to educational goals. It is the one that all others rely on for success.

The federation reminds parents that resolutions are the single most important tool that home and school can use to influence decision makers in government and school boards.

Consider resolutions that will impact positive changes for all students in P.E.I.’s education system. Talk about educational issues raised this year that could be turned into recommendations to improve the system for students’ total well-being in health, safety and learning success from K-12.  Do this by adding resolutions to the January Home and School meeting’s agenda in every school right across the Island. Ask a school principal/teacher to assist with background information on an important issue.

Any member of a local association may submit a resolution to the federation office by Jan. 31. Call the federation office for assistance.

Resolutions will be reviewed and approved by a provincial committee.  These will be discussed at the annual general meeting in April, and if passed, they are delivered to the minister of education and early childhood development, the school board and other destinations with a request for appropriate action.

Guidelines on how to write and present a resolution, as well as examples of previously passed resolutions, are available at: https://peihsf.ca/making_resolutions or phone the federation office 1-800-916-0664 / 620-3186. All resolutions must be received in the federation office by Jan. 31.

Extra Mile Award nominations are being accepted until Jan 10. Home and School Associations are encouraged to consider nominating a deserving person such as a teacher, teacher assistant, secretary, custodian, crossing guard, etc., a person who goes the extra mile for students in your local school community.

Two awards will be presented during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in February. Nomination information is available at: https://peihsf.ca/content/awards

Local associations will also be calling on parents to help out with organizing activities for national teacher/staff appreciation week, Feb. 9-15. It is a time to recognize the contributions that teachers and school staff make on the lives of our children and a great time to simply say thank you.  Find more information at: https://peihsf.ca/content/celebrate-national-teacherstaff-appreciation-week

And looking ahead, the 61st Annual Meeting of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation is scheduled for Saturday, April 12.  Home and School Associations, parents and teachers, are invited to attend the Annual Meeting with each association being asked to designate five persons as voting delegates. More details and registration information will be circulated soon.

Parents are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts about the issues mentioned in this column by calling Shirley Jay at the Federation office.