🍎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.
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Shirley Smedley Jay
Executive Director
P.E.I. Home and School Federation
PO Box 1012 Charlottetown PEI C1A 7M4
(40 Enman Crescent Rm 121 Charlottetown PEI C1E 1E6)
902-620-3186 / 902-218-8916
https://twitter.com/peihsf
https://www.facebook.com/peihsf
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PRINCE STREET HOME & SCHOOL NEWS:
Home and School Meeting Minutes October 10th, 2024 at 6:30
Agenda for the meeting was brought forward by Home and School President Tanya Arsenault.
School Principal spoke about the importance of the Home and School committee. The objectives of Home & School are to bring together parents, guardians, teachers, administrators and staff to promote the total well-being of children and the highest standards of education for each child in the province.
The Home and School committee works in partnership with other organizations that foster this ideal and assist in developing policies related particularly to quality education for each child. We work primarily by offering support to, and coordination between, our local members and believe that the participation of parents and guardians in the education of our children is vital.
Home and School generally meets 4-6 times throughout the school year.
Welcome to the following members of our Home & School Executive committee this year:
President - Tanya Arsenault
Vice President- Greg Alsop
Secretary- Millefiore Clarkes
Treasurer- Keir Lowther
An update on the Home and School Budget was shared by the Treasurer. With fundraising efforts last year such as the Spring Fling, Goldrush Draw and Bake Sales the Home and School is happy with their starting budget this year.
Current Fundraising from the school- Natasha spoke about the current fundraising initiatives including the coupon booklets which will be on sale until the end of October. Last year the money raised from the coupon book sale was used to buy new furniture for the school library, books and technology for the classrooms.
This year a fundraising focus will be on raising funds for the school playground. The school is looking to establish a subcommittee for on the playground initiative. Their will be a playground survey sent out to students, staff and parents- to help the committee create a vision for the playground for years to come. Possible fundraisers from the home and school: ADL cheese sale, bake sales, continuing with Goldrush COSPEI
Wishlist Items also being fundraised for.
-The IXL math subscription – an online program is due for renewal soon.
-The school would also like to explore stand-up desks for classrooms to support learning.
-Goldrush Draw:
Help Prince Street School Home and School raise funds to support school initiatives.
COSPEI benefits students all across PEI.
Each week, for $5, you can enter for a chance to win a growing jackpot! The best part is, even if you don't win, you are supporting Prince Street School - every time you play, a portion of your ticket payment goes right back to PSS Home and School! All you have to do is sign up at https://cospei.goldrush.causable.io/login
Sign up and select Prince Street as the school you are supporting.
There is even an option to be entered automatically each week!
Don't want to play yourself but have family or friends who might like to enter for a chance to win a jackpot?
Good luck and thank you for supporting Prince Street Elementary School!
President Tanya Arsenault is planning on attending the Home and School Semi-Annual Meeting at Central Queens Elementary
Upcoming events:
• Parent Teacher interviews in November- school will continue to use the online system.
• Support from Home and School may be needed for a school art sale and book fair.
• Winter Celebration and Christmas Concerts will be in December – a bake sale will take place during these events. The Home and School will be asking for baked goods. Information to be shared soon.
• Meeting of the new Playground committee
• Spring Fling planning