Taking time to say thanks. Federation recognizes efforts of those helping P.E.I. students to learn safely.

Sometimes, it’s important to just stop and say thank you. In the spirit of Teacher/ Staff Appreciation Week, the P.E.I. Home and School Federation made a presentation to the Chief Public Health Office, the Public Schools Branch and the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning for going to incredible lengths during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping students continue learning and ensuring their safety in Prince Edward Island schools.

Local Home and Schools had to adjust their annual Teacher /Staff Appreciation week’s activities, using creativity and additional support during this week of appreciation. The Federation looks forward to recognizing school staff with the Extra Mile Award in schools across PEI this spring.

From its beginnings to the present day, the P.E.I. Home and School Federation has focused on the well-being and educational success of P.E.I. children. The 69th Annual Meeting is set for April 23, hosted in person at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. Parents, guardians, principals, students and school staff are invited to register.

While each member Home and School is limited to five voting delegates, there is no limit to the number of attendees otherwise from each school. The greater the attendance, the richer the discussions. Local presidents/co-chairs are to submit annual reports to the Federation office.  Report and registration details are available online at: https://peihsf.ca/agm.

Each year at the Annual Meeting & Convention, a Home and School volunteer is recognized for volunteer efforts in their local school with the Steve McQuaid Volunteer of the Year award. Life Membership is also considered annually, but recognition will not necessarily be made every year. Home and Schools are to review award criteria and submit nominations by March 18. Access nomination information online at: https://peihsf.ca/agm.

Each year at the Annual Meeting & Convention, a Home and School volunteer is recognized for volunteer efforts in their local school with the Steve McQuaid Volunteer of the Year award. Life Membership is also considered annually, but recognition will not necessarily be made every year. Home and Schools are to review award criteria and submit nominations by March 18. Access nomination information online at: https://peihsf.ca/agm

The work and care of many important people in our communities goes into making schools safe and caring places for our children and recognizing this work is one of the best parts of our job.  Parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, staff, and it’s important to recognize this work. Parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, staff and members of the community at-large may, through their local Home and School Associations, nominate school crossing guards and school bus drivers for one of the Federation’s special recognition awards.  Nominations for the School Crossing Guard of the Year Award are due on April 25. Nominations for the School Bus Driver of the Year Award are due on May 6.

How can you support P.E.I.’s school bus drivers, who do their utmost to keep students safe? Pay attention when driving and put phones away. Motorists across P.E.I. are continuing to pass school buses while their red lights are flashing.  Slow down when you see flashing amber lights and prepare to stop. When red lights are flashing, motorists must make a complete stop no fewer than six meters (20 feet) from the bus. It is illegal and dangerous to pass a bus when lights are flashing.

— 30 –

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 Colonel Gray High 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. She can be reached at 902-620-3186. For questions about this column or to find out more about the work of the P.EI. Home and School Federation, contact the office at peihsf@edu.pe.ca, 902-620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664.