Some summer assignments for parents of school-aged children

Have you started thinking about summer yet? While the reality of a summer filled with Island beaches, campfires and warmer weather is just around the corner, there are important school-related activities still to complete in the next couple of weeks. While students and educators plan for year-end trips, final assignments, exams and graduations, I also have a task for parents. Don’t worry though, this is an easy task that will prove to be highly rewarding!

Right now local Home and Schools are looking ahead to the new school year. They are finalizing executive positions and determining which parents are staying at the school and which parents have children moving up to a new school. Knowing how important parent engagement is to a child’s success at school, I encourage all parents to reach out to the presidents of their local Home and Schools to discuss ways they can be involved for next school year.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Thriving Home and Schools contribute so much to the life of the school community and the education and well-being of the students. As the Board President for the PEI Home and School Federation, I have heard so many wonderful stories from our local Home and Schools, and our hope is to provide more networking opportunities so that school communities can hear from each other and share best practices and great ideas. The Federation even has grants available to support parent engagement projects in your school community. Check out our website for more information. I truly believe that when our Home and Schools work together, we can create gracious communities where students flourish, and parents and educators can prosper.

On behalf of the Federation, we extend our deepest condolences to the Bastardo-Jiminez family. Our hearts break for you, and your grief and pain have been felt across the island. May you continue to feel the love and support from your community and know that you are in the thoughts of so many across our province.

VISIT LOCAL LIBRARIES

Have you completed the 2026 census yet? The data you provide will help plan for programs and services that matter most to you, in your community and across the country.

As you make your summer plans, would you consider adding a weekly stop at the library? Continued reading is so important for your children – yes, even the older ones – and you can grab some curated suggestions from your school librarian or from any of the librarians across the island. Our libraries are more than just places for good books. They are cultural hubs and have so much to offer your family.

Is your local Home and School all ready for next year? Now is the time for succession planning for local elections for your new executive. As I have encouraged parents to reach out to you, please also be sure to invite all new parents entering your school next year to get involved. Having clear, easily accessible contact information is helpful to your parent community. Contact the Federation office at 902-620-3186 / ssmedleyjay@gov.pe.ca for guidance and support on how to hold your elections.

For more information, go to https://peihsf.ca, email peihsf@gov.pe.ca or call 902-620-3186.

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Tom Deelstra, president of the PEI Home and School Federation, lives in Stratford with his wife and four children, who attend Charlottetown Rural, Birchwood Intermediate, and Stratford Elementary. Our schools are better when we work together.