Sharing hubs foster engagement

Home and School Sharing Hubs are bringing school volunteers together to connect and collaborate, create networks, and share ideas about what’s happening in school communities. Hubs held in the Three Oaks and Westisle families of schools fostered engagement with questions and solutions about involvement in school communities. The federation is hoping to arrange these sessions in all school regions.

Teamwork comes from learning about the team members, individual skills, and how to support each other to maintain a positive school community. Partners in education acknowledge the positive impact of parent engagement on student achievement.

Students feel supported and encouraged to learn in an environment where parents and teachers work together. Parents and teachers are valued partners who help each child reach their potential in learning and development.

The call for nominations to recognize deserving individuals who work and volunteer to benefit children and youth is open. Nominate a deserving school staff individual for the Extra Mile Award by Jan. 19. Find more about the awards program at https://peihsf.ca/awards/.

Home and School Associations can 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 allows local associations to bring forward resolutions and discuss current issues to improve the educational system.

Over the years, action has been taken on topics ranging from bus safety, class sizes, and a healthy school food program. Submit resolutions to the federation by Jan. 31. Find help online at https://peihsf.ca/resolutions/ or call 902-620-3186.

Celebrate Teacher/Staff Week, Feb. 12-16. 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 gratitude goes a long way!

Presidents/Co-Chairs Annual Reports are due Feb. 29. To help you get started, we suggest you record each month’s activities in a bulleted form list beginning in September. Add what will happen to finish the school year, March to June. Collectively, you are writing the history of Home and School in Prince Edward Island. If you need help, contact us at: 902-620-3186 / peihsf@gov.pe.ca or use the Google report form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NOInb3_QViM3zNjpR2ZdyjlnWDg98Po5s3WCKbRCexg/edit

Book your calendars and plan to attend the P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s 71st annual general meeting, Sat. Apr. 13, 2024, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel,

Charlottetown. More details will be circulated in the new year.

Leading up to the annual meeting, the P.E.I. Home and School Federation will seek nominations for President, Vice President, and Directors for Charlottetown Rural, Colonel Gray, Kinkora, Montague, and Morell families of schools; all are two-year term positions. For more info, contact the Federation office at peihsf@gov.pe.ca / 902-620-3186.

International Volunteer Day is on Dec. 5. It’s a day that recognizes the efforts of volunteers in transforming their societies, economies, and environment. Find more at https://nationaltoday.com/international-volunteer-day/

Find out about Social Emotional Learning, the Chief Public Health Office’s student health survey, and the impacts of AI chatbots on students. Ask a school staff person to present information on these topics at an upcoming Home and School meeting.

Best wishes of 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.