Each generation loks at the next with suspicion

Lazy, rude, demanding, self-obsessed, disrespectful. Each generation looks at the next with suspicion, convinced something has gone wrong. But are today’s youth worse than those who came before, or is this just the latest round of an age-old complaint? Consider this scathing critique: “I see no hope for the future of our people if they…

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P.E.I. Home and School presents on online harm

Tackling the Digital Influence on Youth is the focus for P.E.I.’s Home and School Federation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, April 12 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. Keynote speaker, Carl H. Burke R.N., who dedicated his career to Health PEI for 32 years, lost his 17-year-old son Harry to sextortion in April 2023. Mr.…

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Model healthy screen habits at home

After a hasty but positive implementation of restrictions on cell phone usage in schools this September, the Department of Education and Early Years this January released new guidelines for promoting healthy screen time habits for children. These guidelines offer useful recommendations for limiting sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing video games while encouraging…

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Communication needed to protect school children

Schools have a duty of care to protect children and prevent harm, acting swiftly when a child is at risk. Parents should advocate for transparency and strong child protection policies in their children’s schools. Awareness and communication regarding these protocols are crucial for ensuring that schools prioritize student safety above all else. Here are four…

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School bus safety a driving issue

Are the wheels on the bus broken?  Maybe not the wheels but school bus safety remains a driving issue with accidents in 2021 and 2015 highlighting the Home and School Federation’s longstanding concerns and the need for action. We are fortunate that these are the only major incidents thus far as Prince Edward Island has…

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Extra credit a disingenuous practice. Ask more questions about grading at Nov. 22 parent-teacher interviews

Author John Brunner found two kinds of fools. One says, ‘This is old, and therefore good.’ The traditional grading system involves teachers collecting assignments, tests, and projects, calculating averages, and converting percentages into letter grades. This old method fails to provide a comprehensive picture of a student’s understanding and skills. The other fool says, ‘This…

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Focusing on education’s impact: Essential factors that drive student achievement

As parents and educators, we’re always looking for ways to help students succeed. But with so many factors at play, it can be hard to know where to focus our efforts. Fortunately, decades of research by education expert John Hattie offer some clear guidance on what makes the biggest difference in student achievement. Hattie’s groundbreaking…

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Parental involvement requested

CHARLOTTETOWN – The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation (PEIHSF) is urging more parental involvement and collaboration with educators as the new school year begins. Local home and school associations play a vital role in connecting parents, guardians, school staff, and students. Participation extends beyond attending meetings or volunteering at events. We encourage everyone…

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Discussion on new resolutions. Students awarded specialty prizes at recent Provincial Heritage Fair

May was a busy month for the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, following April’s successful AGM. President Shannon Bruyneel, vice-president David Schult and PEIHSF executive director Shirley Smedley-Jay met with Education and Early Years Minister Natalie Jameson and Erin McGrath-Gaudet, deputy minister, in early May to discuss the five resolutions passed at April’s AGM. The Chief Public Health Office has responded to the resolutions…

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Resolutions presented at AGM

The P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s 71st annual general meeting and conference: Building Healthy Foundations for Every Child, was held Saturday April 13th in Charlottetown. More than 100 attendees, representing 35 local Home and School Associations, were joined by guests, including P.E.I. Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry, Education and Early Years Minister Natalie Jameson, Erin McGrath Gaudet,…

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