Nominations now open: Plenty of chances to honour the P.E.I. residents who volunteer and work with children
Congratulations to all the Public Schools Branch newly elected School Board of Trustees. Thank you to all who allowed their names to stand, voted, and made their voices heard. Thirty-one candidates resulted in one acclamation and seven elected trustees in seven school zones. In addition, the education minister will be appointing three trustee positions. The federation looks forward to working with trustees to make the best decisions that benefit all students in our education system.
The call for nominations to recognize deserving individuals who work and volunteer to benefit children and youth is open. The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation presents recognition awards in school communities. Nominate a deserving school staff individual for the Extra Mile Award by Jan. 20. Other awards deadlines, including Volunteer, School Bus Driver, and School Crossing Guard, are online at: https://peihsf.ca/awards/.
Home and School Associations impact positive change with a resolution process on issues that affect the learning success of students, focus on wellness, curriculum needs, health, school bus safety, and more. The AGM provides an opportunity for local associations to bring forward resolutions and discuss ones aimed at improving the educational system. Over the years, action has been taken on issues ranging from bus safety, to class sizes, to a new school food program. Submit resolutions to the federation by Jan. 31. Find help online at: https://peihsf.ca/resolutions/ or by calling 902-620-3186.
Book calendars and plan to attend the P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s 70th Annual General Meeting, Saturday, April 15, 2023, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, Charlottetown. More details are coming soon.
Celebrate Teacher/School Staff Week, Feb. 12-18. Establish a staff appreciation committee to begin to make safe plans to show appreciation to school staff for their contributions to our children and their education. Keep plans simple. A little appreciation goes a long way!
One in five children in Canada is at risk of going to school hungry on any given day. School meal programs can help reduce hunger and food insecurity, improve children’s access to nutritious food, improve academic outcomes and achievement, and help support families by lowering food costs. Therefore, the Government of Canada is launching consultations on a national school food program. To read the discussion paper and share your views by Dec. 16, go to the Government of Canada launches consultations on a pan-Canadian school food policy; Pan-Canadian school food policy – Discussion paper; The Poverty Reduction Strategy; The Food Policy for Canada.
For executive/board members to be engaged and make meaningful contributions to a Home and School, they should take training to help understand a nonprofit’s mission, vision, and values. Holland College is offering a Board Training Course. The cost is $100 per person. If interested, find out more online at: https://hollandcollege.com/about/customized-training/board-member-training.html?fbclid=IwAR11xyoqe6BcOEDDq8ROliwyT8MsQYx9WAK9neys7X0qGw2ge3AKaFB3O6M.
International Volunteer Day is on Dec. 5 annually – It’s a day that recognizes the efforts of volunteers in transforming their societies, economies, and environment. https://nationaltoday.com/international-volunteer-day/
Best wishes for the holiday season to you and your family!
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Dionne Tuplin, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in Tyne Valley area, with her husband and four children, who attend Ellerslie Elementary School, Hernewood Intermediate and Westisle Composite High School. A Home and School column appears in The Guardian during the school year on the first Friday of the month. For questions about this column or to find out more about the work of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, contact peihsf@gov.pe.ca or 902-620-3186/1-800-916-0664.