Home and School News, March 2025
🍎 Registration is now OPEN
The 72nd Annual General Meeting & Conference of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent St., Charlottetown. This year’s theme is “Tackling Digital Influences on Youth.”
This meeting will focus on the impact of technology on children’s development and education. Our keynote speaker, Carl H. Burke, R.N., will discuss the Online Harms Act and share his family’s personal experiences with online dangers. Burke has been advocating for stronger online protections for youth. Workshop topics include Artificial Intelligence, Gaming Addictions, Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports and Home & School Communications.
Parents, administrators, other school staff & students are welcome to register. Each Association is encouraged to register up to five voting delegates for this meeting. Your participation is crucial in advocating for the future of online safety/total well-being for our children and youth.
· SHARE this information in your school newsletter and on social media platforms.
· REVIEW speaker bios and AGM documents, etc.: https://peihsf.ca/agm/
· REGISTER by March 26th: https://forms.gle/UpCNXiZ9xcmHsgqp7
🍎 2025 Resolutions/By-Laws
Proposed resolutions and by-law revisions are circulated to Presidents with directions to discuss these at a Home and School meeting. Use each resolution as a springboard for discussing the topic. Then hold a vote to determine how your voting delegates will vote on April 12th. Voting delegates can vote "in favour," "opposed," or they can present amendments. REVIEW AGM Meeting Documents: https://peihsf.ca/agm/ If you have any questions, call 902-620-3186.
🍎 Volunteer of the Year Award
This award recognizes one person annually for their efforts in their local school. Home and Schools can submit nominations to the Federation office by March 7. Find details: https://peihsf.ca/awards/
🍎 Nominate a new Director for your region
The PEI Home and School Federation is overseen by a volunteer board elected by delegates at the AGM. Members are encouraged to nominate suitable candidates who, in your opinion, have the necessary qualifications to do the work of the provincial Federation. Remember – We learn by doing! 2025 Nomination Form is online at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/
🍎 Province launches new multiyear school calendar
The government introduced a multiyear calendar for upcoming school years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Check online at: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-early-years/2025-2026-and-2026-2027-school-calendars
Community News…
~~ Great Big Crunch! Get your apples 🍎 or other crunchy fruit or vegetable ready to crunch LOUD! On March 6, thousands will gather in person at their school, at work, and online with students, friends, and colleagues to highlight the importance of eating healthy food at school. You are invited to host a crunch in your school or workplace OR join the Virtual Great Big Crunch at 1:00 pm E.S.T. Register for the event here. Find more info at: https://www.healthyschoolfood.ca/great-big-crunch
~~ Introducing The Heart Squad Volunteer Club! – A 12-week experience about building leadership, teamwork, and community service skills…while having fun and making a real impact! For: Ages 12-15 & Ages 16-24…Youth who are ready to learn, lead, grow, and give back! Starts: March 16, 2025 Time: Contact: Renita Bartlett Compassioncornerpei@gmail.com Call/Text: 902-859-3427
~~So, what role do parents play in education?
Parental involvement in education refers to the active participation of parents in their children's learning process, both at home and in school. It involves a wide range of activities and behaviors that support a child's academic and social development.
At home, parental involvement includes:
· Helping with homework; Creating a dedicated study space and time
· Providing ongoing encouragement; Monitoring homework completion
· Modeling desired behavior
In school, parents can be involved by:
· Communicating regularly with teachers; Volunteering for school activities
· Attending parent-teacher interviews; Participating in school governance by attending Home and School meetings where parents and teachers, together, meet to discuss school activities and learn about advocating for the gaps in PEI’s education system.
Home and School News, February 2025
🍎 Screentime Guidelines
New screentime draft guidelines are now available to help encourage healthy screen use behaviours in Island schools. Following the ministerial directive on restricting cell phone use in schools, these draft guidelines, developed in collaboration with health expert Dr. Travis Saunders, provide educators with best practices on screen use that enhance student health, engagement and academic success while minimizing social and physical harm.
“While screens are present everywhere in our lives, it is our responsibility to help young people
develop smart screen use behaviours that positively benefit their learning and wellbeing. Providing
our educators with best practices as well as tips and tricks will give them the knowledge and flexibility
to choose when and how they use screens in the classroom. Technology can be a powerful learning tool, and we want to ensure that young people are equipped to make healthy, balanced decisions.”
- Minister of Education and Early Years Rob Lantz
PEI residents can review the guidelines and send their feedback to educationpolicy@gov.pe.ca
until February 6, 2025. Comments received will help inform the development of future resources for parents, guardians and students to apply similar approaches outside the classroom.
🍎 **Presidents' Annual Reports**
Each Home and School President is requested to write and submit their Annual Report to the Federation office by February 28. Please involve your executive team in helping you with the content. All reports will be included in the 72nd Annual Book of Reports. In your report, include activities from this school year, starting in September and ending in June. You can find tips on how to write your report by reviewing last year's 2024 Book of Reports at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/. If you need assistance, please contact Jeana MacIsaac at the PEIHSF office at info@peihsf.ca or 902-620-3187.
🍎 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is from February 10-14, 2025. Home and School Associations are planning ways to thank school staff during this week. Start brainstorming ideas now to express your gratitude to the staff.
🍎 Volunteer & Life Member Awards
The Federation’s Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes one volunteer's significant contributions to helping volunteers in their local school communities. The Life Member acknowledges service to the provincial Federation. Associations may nominate Home and School volunteers for these awards by the deadline: March 2. Criteria and Form are online at: https://peihsf.ca/awards/
🍎 AGM coming in April
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation's Annual General Meeting will be on April 12, 2025, at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. The Federation office will mail the AGM package to presidents and information will be posted at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/ Plan to register 2-5 delegates to represent your school.
🍎 What do you know about the harms of youth vaping?
The Chief Public Health Office has developed a Smoking/Vaping presentation for junior and senior high students. The Tobacco Enforcement Officer (TEO), Kelly Campbell, has been actively trying to combat youth smoking/vaping in various ways and has presented to several intermediate-level classes. This presentation, aimed at parents/adults, highlights associated with electronic smoking devices (ESDs). The high-level topics addressed include:
- Terminology/Types of Electronic Smoking Devices
- Nicotine Replacement Therapies
- What is in a Vape
- Effects of Social Media
- Nicotine Content of Vapes
- PEI Examples of Confiscated Products (from schools)
- Ways to Hide Vapes (e.g. highlighter, sharpie, etc.)
- Safe Disposal
- Fire Safety Concerns
- Resources
I urge all Junior and Senior High Home and School/Parent Council groups to schedule a time for Kelly to speak to parents during your local school meetings. The goal is to equip adults with comprehensive information so they can effectively discuss the harms of vaping with their children and be more aware of the products available and their potential health effects. He wants to present to every school community in Prince Edward Island. Please contact him directly at kdcampbell@ihis.org.
🍎 Pink Shirt Day Canada 2025 “Choose kindness!”
Join in the national celebration on February 26th and help to eliminate bullying and discrimination in all its forms.
For more information go to: https://pinkshirtdaycanada.ca/
Home and School News, October 2024
🍎 Register for Semi-Annual Meeting
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation's Semi-Annual Meeting will be held on Mon., Oct. 21, 2024,
6–8 pm at Central Queens Elementary School, Hunter River. Topics & Speakers are:
STUDENT HEALTH SURVEY PLANS:
* Cody Davenport, COMPASS program surveys grades 7-12 students; will share survey results
and plans for the 2024-2025 school year.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS & FOOD SAFETY SUPPORTS:
* Courtney Shaffer, Inspector = What are Food Safety guidelines/supports for school food programs?
*Samantha Dougay, Dietitian = What's in a healthy breakfast menu?
* Heather Walker, Spring Park = This is how our breakfast program works.
*David Schult for Sterling Carruthers = Education and Early Years funding for school breakfast and snack programs
- Parents, educators, and students in your school community are welcome!
- Invite your school's breakfast program volunteers!
REGISTER by Oct. 16/24 at: https://forms.gle/tbamHFKUu8ebi4fv9
🍎 Training Workshops for Volunteers
Vicki Bryanton and Stephen Gould will lead Home and School Training Workshops as follows:
Nov. 4 – Ellerslie Consolidated School, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Nov. 5 – Eliot River Elementary School, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Guidance for executive positions (i.e., President, Co/Vice President, Secretary); Bookkeeping tips for Treasurers and general information for all volunteers.
No cost. Register by emailing peihsf@gov.pe.ca or call 902-620-3186 by Oct. 30.
🍎 Crossing Guard Recognition Award
Awards recognize deserving individuals in school communities. The P.E.I. Home and School Federation Crossing Guard Award celebrates individuals who help keep students safe every school day. Nominations are due Nov. 1. Find the application at: https://peihsf.ca/Crossing-Guard-Award.
🍎 Parent Leadership Grants
Funds available for up to $500 for Home and Schools to organize parent educational information sessions. Invite speakers to address topics of interest to your school community (i.e., Mental Wellness, Student Well Being Teams, Cyberbullying Awareness, School Food Programs, Proper Use of Cell Phones). Submission deadline: Nov. 8. PL Grant online: https://peihsf.ca/grants/
🍎 PSB Public meetings: Charlottetown Family of Schools study
The Board of Trustees is now engaging with the Charlottetown school community and stakeholders to receive feedback on the recommendations contained in the report. To review the report, visit the Public Schools Branch's website. Share your feedback by emailing psb-schoolreview@edu.pe.ca using "Charlottetown Family of Schools" in the subject line by Oct. 18/24. Share input by attending a public meeting: Oct. 1, 6:30 pm, Spring Park Elementary; Oct. 8, 2024, 6:30 pm, Charlottetown Rural High School; Oct. 10, 2024, 6:30 pm, Birchwood Intermediate School.
🍎 PEI’s Auditor General’s Report: Healthiness of Food in Schools, Sept. 18/24
- READ: The auditor general's full report on nutrition in P.E.I. schools
- LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff1oHBRaDIU
🍎 Education and Economic Development: Public Schools Branch
Staffing Presentation, Sept. 19/24
Home & School News, September 2024
🍎 Drive slowly! Watch for students on the road
Another school year begins Sept. 5. Students will walk, cycle, or ride to school on a bus or in their family cars. This is a strategic time to remind all motorists that children can get to school and back home safely with awareness and education. Which school does your child attend? Can they ride a bus? Find out more on the Public Schools Branch’s School Bus Planner.
🍎 Update your Local Home and School Contacts
Are you still the President? Treasurer? If not, send current contact info to the Federation office. Presidents - Submit the local Home & School Association contact details using the new Google Form. Click here: Home and School Association Contacts. Treasurers - Submit 2024-2025 Membership fees to the PEIHSF office by November 1st. Send e-transfers to peihsf@gov.pe.ca OR mail a cheque to PEIHSF PO Box 1012 Charlottetown PE C1A 7M4
🍎 "Meet the Teacher"
"Meet the Teacher" evening sessions are planned for parents to meet their child's teacher and teachers to meet parents at the beginning of the school year. It's an informal opportunity to chat, say hi, and become acquainted with your child's teacher. Find the date/time on your child's school website.
🍎 What is Home and School's role in education? Is there volunteer training available?
Experienced facilitators Vicki Bryanton and Stephen Gould will lead Volunteer Training Workshops as follows:
Monday, Nov. 4, Ellerslie Elementary School, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, Eliot River Elementary School, 6:30 p.m.
Register by email: ssmedleyjay@gov.pe.ca By: November 1st/2024
These sessions will equip you with practical knowledge of how volunteers can effectively collaborate with school staff and support their school, benefiting all students!
🍎 What's on your Home and School agenda?
- Meet with the principal in September and discuss setting goals for the 2024-2025 school year.
- PEI Dept. of Education’s updated Cell Phone Use Policy -https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/md_2024-06_responsible_use_agreement_cit.pdf
- Inclusive Education Model Background Report completed November 2023: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/better_together_report.pdf
- Inclusive Education Action Plan: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/inclusive_education_action_plan_en.pdf
- Brainstorm collaborative ways to support the school
- Circulate PEI Home and School Federation monthly news articles
- Inform parents about provincial announcements applicable to student learning and supports
- Establish a purpose for fundraising initiatives. Finalize with a Motion and Vote to approve. Is there a need to fundraise this year?
REMEMBER: Everything parents and teachers do benefits PEI students' education and well-being!
Home and School News, November 2023
🍎 SIGN UP for FREE Volunteer Training
The Federation is hosting two Home & School Training Workshops. Parents, teachers, and students may attend! Workshops are designed to enhance Home & School effectiveness and parent engagement in public education. New volunteer executive members should attend these sessions.
Monday, Nov. 6, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Miscouche Consolidated School
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., West Royalty Elementary School
SIGN-UP by Nov. 4 by emailing Shirley at: ssmedleyjay@gov.pe.ca … Or call 902-620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664. No Cost. Light refreshments provided.
🍎 Reminder: 2023-2024 Membership Fees
Home and School Association Treasurers are reminded to submit this school year’s membership fees by November 1st. You can now pay by e-transfer to peihsf@gov.pe.ca OR mail cheques to the Federation office. Questions? 902-620-3186 / ssmedleyjay@gov.pe.ca
🍎 Parent Leadership Grants
Parent Leadership Project grants for up to $500 are available to Home and School Associations. Leadership projects are to focus on parent leadership and engagement in your school community.
Go to: https://peihsf.ca/grants. Submission deadline: Nov. 30th.
🍎 Recognition and Awards Programme 2023-2024
Awards recognize deserving individuals in school communities. The P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s 2023-2024 Programme begins with the Crossing Guard Award nominations due Nov. 24. Find more details online at PEIHSF Awards
🍎 ADD this to your agenda…
1. Plan a productive Home and School meeting by identifying tasks and duties
2. Focus agenda items on educational objectives/outcomes that work to benefit all students
3. Involve everyone around the meeting table
4. Ask the principal for a school report
5. Practice basic parliamentary procedure
Happenings in our community…
🍎 Donagh Home & Schools Craft Fair will be held on Sat., Nov. 18, 2023, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Donagh Regional School (928 Bethel Road, Donagh).
🍎 Literacy Champion Award - Call for nominations for our Literacy Champion Award. This award recognizes leadership and commitment in the field of literacy and lifelong learning. For more information, contact Amanda Beazley, PEI Literacy Alliance www.peiliteracy.ca
🍎 Dyslexia Canada - Alicia Smith, Executive Director of Dyslexia Canada, to speak about Dyslexia & The Right to Read on Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m. at Three Oaks Senior High School, Summerside.
🍎 Live Well PEI accepting applications for Wellness Grant Program
Community organizations may apply for Community Catalyst Grants. Schools may apply for School Health Grants. ($2,500, $5,000, and $7,500). Applications for both grant streams will be accepted online until 9:00 AM on Nov. 6, 2023. More info at: PEI Wellness Grant Program
🍎 Dates to remember: November 11 Remembrance Day
                        November 20 National Child Day
                        November 21–27 Canada History Week
Home and School News, May 2023
1. School Bus Driver Award
Nominate a school bus driver to receive recognition for keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school from September to June during school year. Submission date: Friday, May 5, 2023
More at: School Bus Driver of the Year Award - PEI Home and School Federation (peihsf.ca)
2. Post-AGM
Thank you to Local Associations for attending the 70th Annual Meeting & Conference. The meeting’s slideshows, round table summary, minutes, and resolutions are being posted on our website when finalized. Go to: https://peihsf.ca/agm/
3. Public Schools Branch
The PSB Review of Schools Study Report is available and can be found under News & Updates at: https://psb.edu.pe.ca/news-updates
4. School Trustees Board Meeting
The Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 7:30 p.m. at Montague Regional High, 274 Valleyfield Road, Rte. 326, Lower Montague or via Webex at:
PSB Board of Trustees. Any member of the public who wishes to make a presentation to the Board must submit a written request to the Public Schools Branch by 4 p.m. on April 27, 2023 to: sxgauthier@edu.pe.ca. Call 902-368-6850 for additional information or to register to attend.
5. School Calendar
The Department of Education & Early Years released the 2023-2024 School Calendar, April 17. The first school day for students is Sept. 7. More at: 2023-2024 School Calendar | Government of Prince Edward Island
6. 70th AGM Report
PEI Home and School Federation president, Dionne Tuplin will include an AGM report in May newspaper column to be published on Friday, May 5 and online at: News - PEI Home and School Federation (peihsf.ca)
Home and School News, April 2023
1. Is your school registered?
SIGN UP today for the 70th P.E.I. Home and School Federation Annual General Meeting & Convention.
Date/Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 8:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Place: Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, Charlottetown
Fee: $40 per person
Each Home and School is asked to send 2-5 representatives to this Milestone A.G.M. Please ensure your school is represented. REGISTER ONLINE (https://peihsf.ca/agm/) or call 902-620-3186.
2. AGM Round Table Topics
Topics: Diversity, Student Well-Being, Home & School Successes/Challenges.
Table Resources: Debbie Langston & Andrea Garland, Diversity Consultants
Elizabeth Kennedy, Student Well-Being Team Lead Consultant
Sara Fletcher & Tina Cardiff, Family Support Workers, Bluefield & Montague Family of Schools.
Guests: Hon. Antionette Perry, Lt. Governor for P.E.I.; Minister or Deputy Dept. of Education, Federation Past Presidents, and more.
3. Resolutions
Three resolutions will be considered and voted on at the Annual General Meeting on April 15. Home and Schools are asked to review and vote on the proposed resolutions at your local meeting and select your voting delegates who will attend the A.G.M., voting as directed by their Association. Voting should reflect the opinions of your school's parents, guardians, teachers, and staff. Find proposed resolutions online at: peihsf.ca/agm
4. School Bus Driver Award
School Bus Driver of the Year Award recognizes school bus drivers on P.E.I. for keeping our students safe as they travel to and from school daily. Submit nominations by May 5, 2023.
5. National Volunteer Week, April 2023
Volunteering Weaves us Together! Let's celebrate our individual and collective actions in creating a strong, interconnected, vibrant community! Volunteering weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our community by sharing our time, talent, and energy to support one another.
#NVW2023 #WeavingUSTogether
NVW 2023 - National Volunteer Week (NVW) - Campaigns - Volunteer Canada
Home and School News, March 2023
1. 70th AGM & Conference
Mark your calendar! The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is pleased to announce that our Knowledge, Collaboration, & Success for the Next Generation A.G.M. & Conference 2023 will take place on Saturday, April 15, at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, Charlottetown.
REGISTER ONLINE or at https://peihsf.ca/agm by midnight on March 24, and your name will be entered into the Early Bird Draw for an overnight stay at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.
SPEAKERS
- Hon. Natalie Jameson, Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning
- Hon. Antionette Perry, Lieutenant Governor
- More speakers from Student Well-Being Teams and the Dept. of Education's new Diversity lead, Debbie Langston
More info will be posted at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/ or call us at 902-620-3186.
2. NEW Annual Report submission deadline - March 10
To allow more time following the school break, the deadline to submit Annual Reports has been extended to Friday, March 10. Every Home and School Association is asked to submit a report for inclusion in the Federation's annual Book of Reports. Remember! You are writing a piece of the history of Home and School in P.E.I. Click here to use the NEW President’s Google 2023 Report Form or email a word doc to Kelly at: info@peihsf.ca
3. Review Proposed 2023 Resolutions
Proposed resolutions have been circulated to Presidents. Please discuss these resolutions at your next Home and School meeting. Use each resolution as a springboard for discussing the topic; then hold a vote, resolution by resolution, to determine how your school's delegates will vote at the Annual Meeting. Your voting delegates can vote "in favour," "opposed," or they can present amendments. Review 2023 resolutions online at: https://peihsf.ca/resolutions/
4. Volunteer / Life Membership Awards
A Home and School volunteer is recognized annually for their efforts in their local school with the Steve McQuaid Volunteer of the Year. In addition, a Life Membership is recognized when deemed appropriate with this person's contributions, locally and provincially. You are invited to review the awards' criteria and submit nominations by March 9. Awards details at: https://peihsf.ca/awards/
5. Board of Directors Nominations
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is the umbrella organization of Home and Schools across the island. It is overseen by a volunteer board elected by delegates from member Home and School Associations. Every year at the annual meeting, elections are held for vacant positions on the board, and members are encouraged to nominate suitable candidates who, in your opinion, have the necessary qualifications to do the work of the provincial Federation. You can access the 2023 Nomination Form at: https://peihsf.ca/agm/