Nominations open for awards! Prepare advocacy resolutions!

The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation hopes everyone enjoyed a great holiday.

Welcome to the new year – a time to be fired up for the many possibilities in education ahead. It is a parent’s job to show how exciting and valuable learning can be.

Students have 111 instructional days between January and June. A parent’s interest and encouragement in a child’s education can affect the child’s attitude toward school, classroom conduct, self-esteem, absenteeism, and motivation.

On Dec. 19, 2022, the federation honoured Mary Morrison at Colonel Gray Senior High School with the School Crossing Guard Award. She has been a crossing guard at the intersection of Queen and Pond streets in Charlottetown for 15 years. Parents, teachers, and students attended the impressive presentation to honour her. Thank you for all you do, keeping the students safe.

Nominations are open for the 2023 Extra Mile Award for teachers and staff. Local home and school associations can consider nominating a school teacher or staff person for going the extra mile for students. The federation is accepting nominations until Jan. 20. Find the criteria and application form at https://peihsf.ca/extra-mile-award/

Resolutions are about change. Do you see a need for change in P.E.I.’s educational system? The P.E.I. Home and School Federation supports equal opportunity for all students in P.E.I.’s education system and promotes this by passing pertinent resolutions at annual general meetings and then forwarding them to decision-makers who can make changes to benefit all island students. Consider important issues that pertain to education, safety, health, and total well-being. Members are encouraged to call the federation office for assistance or refer to our writing and presenting resolutions guide. Also, review the resolution resources at https://peihsf.ca/reslutions/. 2023 resolutions are due in the federation office by Jan. 31.

School Staff Appreciation Week will be celebrated across Canada from Feb. 13-17. It is an opportunity for parents and students to recognize the school staff’s dedication and hard work, including our teachers, admin support, educational assistants, and custodians. Set up a small committee to brainstorm ways the school community can thank everyone. Remember to keep plans simple. A little appreciation goes a long way.

The P.E.I. Home and School Federation will celebrate its 70th Annual Meeting & Convention on Saturday, April 15. Parents, principals, teachers, and students are welcome to attend, with each Home and School Association designating up to five voting delegates. Ensure your school is represented. Annual meeting details and registration documents will be circulated to presidents. Yearly reports tell the history of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation. Presidents are asked to prepare the 2022-2023 reports and submit them to the office by Feb. 28. For reference, view last year’s annual reports at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/

The 2023 Volunteer of the Year and Life Member Awards will acknowledge and recognize the valuable contributions and achievements of excellence of individuals within the local and provincial Home and School levels. Consider deserving people who contribute much to your school community and submit a nomination by March 3. The criteria details are online at https://peihsf.ca/awards/