Remember to say thank you. February is a good time to recognize efforts of teachers, staff
Teachers and other school staff members change the lives of hundreds of children every day, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. They seek to nurture students’ natural curiosity and meaningfully connect classroom learning to the outside world. They inspire a lifelong love of learning and make a difference in children’s well-being and life-long success.
They should feel pride in their chosen profession. Teachers’ patience, dedication and expertise will leave life-long legacies in the lives they touch.
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation says, thank you – school administrators, teachers, educational assistants, administrative supports, custodians, and bus drivers for your thoughtful caring and commitment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are important partners in helping our children become all that they can be. Home and Schools are reminded to say thank you to school staff during this week of recognition, February 14-20. Download a newly designed TSAW poster at: School Poster Student Colouring Poster
Volunteers make significant contributions to school communities. The Federation recognizes individuals who are nominated by Local Home and School Associations. Nominations are open for the 2021 Volunteer of the Year and Life Member Awards. Consider people who volunteer in your school community and submit a nomination package by March 12. For more information, go to: criteria /nomination form online.
Elected school board consultations are taking place to determine the best model for the English Language School Board. Islanders are currently invited to take part in consultations and provide input on the best elected school board model for the English Language School Board in Prince Edward Island. Submit ideas online through the Elected School Board Model Consultations webpage. Online consultations will be open until March 11, 2021.
Addressing youth anxiety is critical. Anyone who feels a child requires additional supports during the school year should reach out to the student well-being team assigned to your family of schools. A link to the Student Well-Being Teams is at: https://www.peihsf.ca/links
Wear Pink on Feb. 24 to show you are taking a stand against bullying and making an effort to practice kindness and acceptance. Bullying affects so many people physically, emotionally and mentally, there are many students, parents, schools and community members who want to know what they can do to help. Talk about it with teachers, peers, and family members. Show compassion on Pink Shirt Day and every day of the year.
Safety on the roads is everyone’s concern for students who walk or take the bus. Remember the traffic plan for your school and keep an eye out for students, especially when there are snow banks in these areas. School bus drivers are doing their utmost to keep students safe. Remember to slow down when you see flashing amber lights and prepare to stop. When red lights are flashing you must make a full stop no less than six metres (20 feet). It is illegal and dangerous to pass a bus when lights are flashing.
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Heather Mullen, president of P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in Lot 38, Canavoy with her husband and two children, who attend Mount Stewart Consolidated School and Birchwood Intermediate School. Her column appears in The Guardian during the school year on the first Friday of the month. She welcomes comments from readers and information from the column and can be reached at 902-620-3186.