Working together to benefit students
Happy February and happy Black History Month. As we enter the shortest month of the year, students begin the second school semester, and local associations prepare for celebrations and recognitions.
School staff work hard at creating a safe and welcoming school environment for all students. A positive relationship between students and all staff speaks of mutual trust and respect. Getting to know students helps them feel valued and can encourage them to become stronger learners.
Research has shown that children who feel liked and supported by educators do better in school. In addition, positive relationships have been shown to reduce disruptive behavior, improve the student’s ability to respond to stress, and increase engagement in the school.
In recognition of the vital role school staff plays, home and school associations are encouraged to find ways to thank administrators, teachers, and other school staff members for their contributions to the lives of children and youth. Celebrate school staff during Teacher/Staff
Appreciation Week Feb 12-16, 2024. Island teachers and school staff members are the backbone of children’s education and growth. Thank you for all you do.
Presidents of local home and school associations have until Feb. 29 to submit annual reports for inclusion in the 71st Annual Book of Reports. Include activities for this school year, starting in Sept. through to the end of June. Find tips on how to write annual reports by reading other reports from last year’s book of reports at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/. Use a blog format by listing each month and related activities in bullet form. For assistance, contact the office at peihsf@gov.pe.ca or 902-620-3186.
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes one Home and School volunteer’s significant contributions to helping people in their school communities. A Life Member Award acknowledges service to the provincial federation. Associations can nominate individuals from school communities for these awards by the deadline, March 3. Find criteria at: https://peihsf.ca/awards.
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s 71st Annual General Meeting & Convention is April 13 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. The board has planned an interactive conference and is looking forward to hosting voting delegates and guests. Registration materials will be circulated to local association presidents and posted at peihsf.ca/agm. Plan to register two to five delegates to represent each school.
Parents and educators work together to support and improve the learning, development and overall health of children and youth. Students need a positive learning experience to succeed in school: one providing support, motivation, and quality instruction. With the increasing demands on the family, parental support in the education of students extends beyond the school building. It’s a shared responsibility. Bolster a child’s education by creating a supportive learning environment at home and becoming more involved in the school community. The research says that parent and family involvement creates better outcomes for students. https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/parental-involvement-in-education/
Let’s work together to end bullying and spread kindness! Celebrate Pink Shirt Day Canada on Feb 28. For information, go to: https://pinkshirtdaycanada.ca/
– 30 –
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