Time for reflection: January is a good time to reaffirm belief in potential of children
Even if you are not one to make New Years’ resolutions, January is a good time to reflect on your situation and set your intentions for the year to come. Research in neuroscience over the past decades has shown us that the human brain is more capable of change than we ever thought possible, even into adulthood. How we use our brains every day shapes and molds them, so practicing new behaviours and new habits patiently over time really can change the way the brain is wired. The new year is a good time to consider the power of new beginnings and to reaffirm our belief in the potential of our children, to change, learn and grow.
Every year at our annual general meeting, delegates discuss issues brought forward by our membership, determine through a voting process whether they become organization policy, and decide the focus of the work of the provincial federation for the next year. Local home and school associations are encouraged to collaborate within their own school communities, as well as within their family of schools to identify priority issues that may be addressed at a provincial level.
Assistance with writing resolutions is available online at https://peihsf.ca/agm/resolutions or from the Federation office at peihsf@edu.pe.ca or by telephone at (902) 620-3186 or, toll-free, 1-800-916-0664. Resolutions are to be submitted to the P.E.I. Home and School Federation office by January 31.
Local Home and School associations – or groups of associations in families of schools – are encouraged to submit applications for the Parent Leadership grant program. Funding is available to support activities in a school, or family of schools, that work to encourage the involvement of parents and guardians in education. Submit project proposals by January 27. For more information and an application form, see https://peihsf.ca/wp-content/uploads/files/Draft%20%20Grant%20Kit%202016-2017%20ssj%20.pdf
Teacher/staff appreciation week is Feb. 13 – 17. Local associations are encouraged to organize projects or events for this week that express gratitude to the dedicated educators and staff that work so hard, day in and day out, to help to educate our children. The P.E.I. Home and School Federation office can provide you with ideas and more information about this week, and local associations are encouraged to let the office know what they have planned so that ideas can be shared with other associations.
The PEIHSF Extra Mile Awards are your opportunity to recognize those within the school system who go above and beyond the call of duty to support our students. The submission deadline is January 13. More details can be found online at: https://peihsf.ca/extramile
The PEIHSF office staff is available to help local associations in their deliberations about everything from public consultation meetings to writing resolutions. Email office@peihsf.ca or phone 902-620-3186 or 1-800-916-0664.
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Lisa MacDougall, president P.E.I. Home and School Federation, writes a monthly Home and School news column.