During these unprecedented times, people continue to learn and adjust their usual habits working through this global pandemic. Continue to support one another, school communities and neighbours and follow the advice of chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
Congratulations to all those students graduating from high school. Schools are excitedly working on plans for high school graduations and year-end closing activities, within the public health guidelines outlined by the Chief Public Health Office. While activities will not look the same as in previous years, schools are committed to offering a unique experience to mark the end of the school year and wish their students well.
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is seeking feedback regarding experiences with learning remotely. It will compile all information and send it to Education Minister Trivers for consideration. Send any feedback to [email protected].
Volunteers are an important part of every school community. June is an excellent time to invite new volunteers to join the team. Parents and teachers will team up to plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Contact a home and school president or school principal to find out how to get involved. For information, contact the federation office: [email protected].
The 67th annual general meeting will be held in the fall. The date and details will be posted when plans are finalized. The 2020 Book of Reports is posted on the federation’s website. Local home and school presidents are encouraged to add COVID-19 stories to their annual reports. The Book of Reports is being updated as reports are received. Submit revised reports to [email protected]
As restrictions are being lifted, Public Schools Branch staff members are excited that there are greater opportunities to connect with students to support academic and well-being needs.
Teachers will be reaching out to their students with options they can participate in. Respite programming will begin operating at all 56 PSB schools. Contact [email protected] or 902-368-4997 for more information.
The P.E.I. School Food Project program has provided over 30,000 meals to children across the Island experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all of the hard-working chefs in six kitchen hubs across the Island, who have prepared and continue to prepare delicious, nutritious meals. Check out the P.E.I. School Food Project Facebook page to see the amazing food being provided to students during the pandemic. Do you know of families who need food supports? Let them know they can contact the Support for Families information line at 902-368-5155 or [email protected].
As regular activities and deadlines are changing on a daily basis, Home and Schools are encouraged to submit nominations for school bus driver of the year and crossing guard of the year awards by mid-June. Presentation arrangements will be co-ordinated with schools. Be sure to include support letters from presidents, parents, students, principal and other school staff.
Send nominations to [email protected]. Find more details at peihsf.ca/awards.
Home and School’s Parent Leadership Projects have been given approval to move their projects to the fall when school resumes. For information, contact 902-620-3186, 1-800-916-0664, 902-218-8916 (cell) or [email protected].
Cory Thomas, president of P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in Summerside with his wife and two children, who both attend Elm Street Elementary School. His column appears in The Guardian during the school year on the first Friday of the month. He welcomes comments from readers and information from the column. He can be reached at 902-620-3186.
