As we move into June and the last month of school for the 2019-2020 school year, Public Schools Branch (PSB) staff are working diligently on the many year-end tasks and are planning and preparing to ensure success for September 2020. In accordance with the provisions of Phase 3 in Renew PEI, school staffs have more opportunities to support students and families throughout the month of June.
Teachers are available to schedule in-person appointments with students who wish to review their learning, the Respite Program is being offered in all PSB schools, some teachers are connecting with students through Google Meet, and PSB consultants and school counsellors have begun to reach out to families needing specialized supports. Home learning will continue until June 12 for high school students and June 19 for K-9 students.
To begin, the P.E.I. Home and School Federation would like to extend our deepest condolences to our friends in Nova Scotia. We are thinking of the school community in Nova Scotia who lost an educator in this tragedy, Lisa McCully was a teacher at Debert Elementary School in Debert, N.S.
This message is from Parker Grimmer, Director Public Schools Branch
April 29, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students;
Former automobile racer Bobby Unser once said: ‘Success is where preparation and opportunity meet’. Some would say he was fortunate to have experienced the thrill of three Indianapolis 500 victories over his career. Success, however, is rarely a matter of luck, but more a matter of preparation, and of doing what needs to be done to be in the path of opportunity.
COVID-19 Update to PSB Parents/Guardians and Students
April 8, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students;
We appreciate that this continues to be a busy time for families and the learning opportunities happening for students at home may be both rewarding and, at times, frustrating. The Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning (DELL) said at his briefing last evening: ‘Schools are the heart of our communities and they are reaching out to parents and students in ways they have never before.’ By many accounts, so far, this new way of learning is going well. It was clear that there was a high level of engagement happening when listening to a student, parent, and one of our teachers recently on the evening news. We offer our sincere appreciation for the efforts that are taking place in homes across the Island right now.
With the global pandemic of COVID-19 in PEI, we need to support each other now more than ever.
Islanders must continue to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus as directed by the Chief Public Health Officer. Dr. Heather Morrison has recommended for schools to remain closed until at least May 11. This will be re-evaluated as we get closer to the date.
During these difficult times it is important that we continue to assist families experiencing financial difficulties and food insecurity. We know a number of private businesses, food banks, and other community organizations have already stepped up to support students and families with food challenges. To complement these great efforts, the Provincial government is partnering with the PEI Home and School Federation and the Breakfast Club of Canada to assist as many families and children as possible during the COVID-19 crisis.
Beginning the week of March 30, prepared meals and snacks will be provided to families who register for support. Please help ensure your school's families that may need help are aware of these supports and that they register by calling 902-368-5155 or emailing supportforfamilies@edu.pe.ca
The Province of Prince Edward Island announced plans to support children, students, families and teachers impacted by school and daycare closures due to COVID-19.
To ensure the health and safety of students, teachers and administration, all schools across Prince Edward Island remain closed for in-person classes until, at minimum, May 11. Over the past few weeks, the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning has been working with the Public Schools Branch, Commission scolaire de langue française and teachers from across the province to develop at-home learning activities.