On June 18, 2009, the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation presented a School Bus Driver Award to Victor Martin, bus driver for Kinkora Regional High School at the graduation ceremonies.
“Victor was selected as the Western School Board recipient for outstanding service in keeping children safe as they travel to and from school each day – driving capably and professionally, teaching students about safety, managing behaviour, and caring for the well-being of every child, every day of the school year.” says Bill Whelan, President of the PEI Home and School Federation.
“Through Victor’s actions, our children have learned all about respect, professionalism, and kindness. He treats the students on his bus so well, they consider him a friend and have developed a great respect for him and the work he has to do.” says one parent.
Home and School Federation launches survey results –— The PEI Home and School Federation released highlights of its PARENT ENGAGEMENT SURVEY at their Annual Meeting/Convention held on Saturday, April 18 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.
This survey of parents of school-aged children in PEI, carried out by consultant Vicki Bryanton and funded by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Education, explored issues related to parent engagement in their children’s education. A total of 704 surveys were submitted from October to December 2008, representing parents of 1,234 school-aged children. The survey asked questions about communications, parent-teacher interviews, volunteering, special needs, instructional time and homework.
The PEI Home and School Federation is pleased that the Eastern School District has drafted a policy titled “School Lockdown Response Plan”. In mid November the Federation requested information from the school board around the communications plan to parents and their children regarding school lockdowns. We received a sample letter to parents, including a backgrounder page that includes a section on Parent Involvement. In that section, it reads that “Parents should be aware of what their child is expected to do in a lockdown and how they can communicate with the child and the school.” The Federation agrees, but we have heard from parents who feel that the communication is not timely or sufficient. For example, the backgrounder details the lockdown procedures if a child is in a classroom, but what if he/she is in the library, cafeteria, gym or outdoors?
I would first like to thank the Eastern School District for the opportunity to speak at this public consultation meeting. The PEI Home and School Federation is a network of local associations at 52 schools in the Eastern School District and Western School Board. Nine of the 11 schools considered for closure are members of the PEI Home and School Federation. See Federation's response.
Parents and Educators Need to be Aware of the Health Risks of Consuming Energy Drinks, Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation.
The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation thanks the provincial “Standing Committee on Social Development,” for the opportunity to forward our concerns and ideas on the sale of “energy drinks”. The Federation’s position is that “energy drinks” represent an unacceptable threat to learning and to the health of Island children.
See Federation’s response
Home and School Federation launches initiatives to increase
parent involvement in their children’s learning
Parents, students and educators gathered at Sherwood Elementary School today to launch several new Home and School initiatives that will help parents to become more active partners in their children’s learning.
Bill Whelan, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, provided a progress update on the Federation’s three-part strategy to identify parent needs, increase access to parent information, and develop school-based initiatives that help parents become more involved in schools and learning.
October 20-24, 2008
Teachers and students in Prince Edward Island can mark School Bus Safety Week by becoming more aware of how to be safe around and in buses.
Substance Abuse Prevention Project – “Drugwise Parents”
The Substance Abuse Prevention Project: Drugwise Parents was a successful project for the Canadian Home and School Federation and the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation. Parent information sessions were held across the Island with professionals presenting information on what is happening in the area of substance abuse both locally and nationally. The provincial Federation urges Local Home and School Associations to continue organizing these types of information sessions to remain current as new information is made public.
Feedback was very positive:
