AGM set for April 13
There is still time to register for the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation's annual general meeting and convention – Building Healthy Foundations for Every Child – April 13, 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent St., Charlottetown.
Participation of parents, educators and students is valued, and local associations to ensure all schools are urged to send representatives. All are welcome, with each association designating up to five as voting delegates. Register at https://peihsf.ca/agm/ or call 902-620-3186.
Guests will include P.E.I. Lt.-gov. Antoinette Perry, Education and Early Years Minister Natalie Jameson and representatives from the Public Schools Branch and P.E.I. Teachers Federation.
Six topics will be presented by experts during a round table session, including the COMPASS 2023-2024 youth survey results, the Education Department's inclusion report, the role of an educational assistant, suicide prevention, the Fundations reading program and youth sports nutrition. There will be time for questions and answers on each topic.
Resolutions are a platform for the federation's advocacy efforts on educational topics. These are submitted by local Home and School associations and presented to the AGM. This year's proposed resolutions will include requesting an inquiry into the indoor temperature of P.E.I. schools, a Public Schools Branch policy amendment for extreme hot weather, requesting a feasibility study of installing vaping detectors in schools, creation of a policy related to screen use in primary schools and kindergarten exemption from split-level classrooms.
Local Home and Schools are reviewing and voting on the proposed resolutions. Voting reflects the opinions of each school's parents, guardians and educators. Resolutions can be viewed at https://peihsf.ca/agm.
On April 8, students will be dismissed two hours early due to the solar eclipse. P.E.I. will experience the eclipse's effects between 3:26 p.m. and 5:44 p.m.
"The solar eclipse offers a rare educational occasion, but prioritizing safety is crucial for all of us to fully embrace its wonder," said Jameson. "A systemwide early dismissal ensures our bus drivers will be off the road before the eclipse begins, and students will be home safely."
The School Bus Driver Award recognizes school bus drivers on Prince Edward Island for their service in keeping students safe as they travel on the school buses daily. If you know of a school bus driver who goes above and beyond the call of duty, consider submitting a nomination by the deadline of May 3. Details are at http://peihsf. ca/awards.
National Volunteer Week is April 14-20, a time to celebrate and thank Canada's 24 million volunteers. The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is a volunteer organization with its members leading several volunteer efforts in island schools. Volunteers exist in every community across Canada and abroad. It's important to recognize all volunteers' hard work and dedication. This year's theme, Volunteering Weaves Us Together, strengthens the fabric of community by sharing time, talent and energy to support one another. During the week, celebrate the collective impact of volunteers who give tirelessly with kindness, generosity and commitment. Let's recognize and celebrate every volunteer and each contribution they're making to strengthen inclusivity and well-being in communities. Now more than ever, every moment matters (#NVW2024 #Everymomentmatters). For further information, contact the federation office: ssmedleyjay@ gov.pe.ca or 902-620-3186.
Dionne Tuplin, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in the 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 902-6203186/1-800-916-0664.