School board elections coming this fall

Islanders interested in contributing to the future of our education system can put their name forward and participate in the election process to become a trustee for the Public Schools Branch or La Commission scolaire de langue française in their electoral zone. The elected trustees will help ensure Island school boards are meeting the needs of students, staff, caregivers, and communities. Nomination papers will be available through Elections PEI this September.

Islanders considering putting their name forward as a candidate can find more information at  

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/schoolboardelections

Elections PEI is actively planning and preparing for the upcoming school board elections. For information on registering to become a candidate visit: https://www.electionspei.ca/school-trustees-elections

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Calling for school board trustee candidates

Islanders are encouraged to put their name forward for school board elections happening in fall 2022 to help ensure Island school boards are providing high quality services to students, staff, and teachers. 

Islanders who are interested in contributing to the future of our education system can put their name forward and participate in the election process to become a trustee for the Public Schools Branch or La Commission scolaire de langue française in their electoral zone. The elected trustees will help ensure that their local communities have a voice and that school policies evolve to meet the needs of Island learners. 

“Locally elected representation on Island school boards will help foster a collaborative approach and provide a community voice on essential education decisions. I strongly encourage all eligible Islanders to consider the role of a trustee and to get involved in advocating for local needs within the education system.” 

– Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Natalie Jameson

Elected school board trustees for the Public Schools Branch will consist of eight elected trustees from across the province and three appointed members – one Mi’kmaq representative appointed by the Assembly of Councils, and two members at large appointed through Engage PEI. Elected school board trustees for La Commission scolaire de langue française will consist of nine elected trustees. 

Elections PEI is actively planning and preparing for the upcoming school board elections, which will begin this fall.  

“We are working on the processes for the elections. All voting will be done through the mail-in-ballot process as per the regulations, to encourage engagement and a strong voter turnout,” says Tim Garrity, the Chief Electoral Officer of PEI.”

Eligible trustee candidates must be a Canadian citizen of at least 18 years of age. Candidates must also be a resident in their respective electoral zone for at least six months before the election is called. Official nominations for candidacy must be submitted to Elections PEI between September 12th and September 23rd at 2:00 pm.

Islanders considering putting their name forward as a candidate can find more information at: School Board Elections

For information on registering to become a candidate visit: Elections PEI.

Media contact:
Alex Firth 
Public Engagement Officer 
Department of Education and Life-Long Learning
anfirth@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder

Proposed outline of Elected School Boards

	Public Schools Branch	La Commission scolaire de langue française
Election Timing	– October 2022 – Then every three years	–  October 2022 – Then every three years
Trustees	8 elected trustees 3 appointed trustees: -1 Mi’kmaq representative (appointed by the Assembly of Councils) -2 members at large (appointed through Engage PEI)	9 elected trustees
9 elected trustees	7 electoral zones based on ‘family of schools’ – 1 trustee from each zone 1-2-3-4-6-7 – 2 trustees from zone 5 (Charlottetown)	6 electoral zones – 2 trustees from each zone 1-3-5 – 1 trustee from zones 2-4-6
Trustee Terms	– 8 elected trustees – 3 year terms – 1 Indigenous Representative – 2 years – 2 Members at large – 2 years	– 9 elected – 3 years

Proposed PSB Electoral Zones – Student Enrollment (Based on 2021-2022 Enrollment)

Electoral Zone	Family of schools	Student enrollment
1	Westisle	1,993
2	Three Oaks	2,945
3	Kensington / Kinkora	689 / 448
4	Bluefield	3,030
5	Charlottetown	7,861
6	Montague	1,858
7	Morell / Souris	573 / 514

Wrapping up the school year

Another school year is almost in the books. This year has seen its fair share of challenges, and our students, faculty, staff, and volunteers have prevailed over those obstacles. But, we’ve also found reasons to celebrate.

The Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation (PEIHSF) was honored to distribute 4 Extra Mile Awards to very deserving recipients in May and June: Pam MacLeod, resource teacher from Cardigan Elementary; Krista Bryson, music teacher from Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside; Randy Reardon, principal from Englewood Consolidated School in Crapaud; and Bertha Hogan, education assistant from West Kent Elementary. You certainly exemplify going the extra mile for your students.

Through its resolution process, the federation requested the government in 2018 to return to an elected school board. On May 5, 2022, the provincial government amended the Education Act, fulfilling its commitment to reinstate an elected school board. For more information about the upcoming changes, go to https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/moving-forward-on-reinstating-an-elected-school-board

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-school-board-elections-reinstated-fall-2022-1.6438549

There are changes to how the P.E.I. School Food Program will collect meal orders until the end of the school year. Notices were sent to parents informing them, ensuring no disruption in getting lunches to the students. Read more at https://mailchi.mp/7aa05123ed17/ordering-now-open-7222849?e=d5c9a78e6c. 

The School Calendar for the 2022-2023 year is live and available for viewing. Go to https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-lifelong-learning/2022-2023-school-calendar for a copy.

Congratulations to all the graduates on Prince Edward Island, from elementary to high school, and all the best wishes as you start your new ventures. As we come together to celebrate our children, let’s hold close to our hearts and minds the families and community members of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

As the school year draws to a close, now is a great time to consider electing new members to your home and school and/or parent council executives. June is also an excellent time to elect a new executive and board members to your Home and School Associations. Remember, all of our members are volunteers. Without you, nothing is possible. Stepping up to volunteer is a great way to give back and help make changes and improvements. Anyone who needs guidance on holding elections should contact the P.E.I. Home and School Federation office at 902-620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664 /www.peihsf.ca.

As the weather gets warmer and the days longer, the summer is an excellent time for reading. Find summer reading ideas for students at community libraries and online at: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-lifelong-learning/online-library-resources. 

Have a great summer, be safe, and we look forward to seeing you all for the 2022-2023 school year.

– 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@edu.pe.ca or 902-620-3186/1-800-916-0664.

H& S Meeting June 2nd 6:30pm

The next Home and School meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room at
Stonepark school on Thursday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m. All parents are welcome, including parents from our
Feeder Schools who have an interest in supporting our school when your child attends
Stonepark in the fall.

Minutes to our Home and School Meeting at Stonepark Intermediate April 19, 2022

Presents: George Trevor (online), Jill Burry, Nathalie MacKinnon, Giselle Dalton, Krista McEwen, George and Marsha Mason, Elizabeth Blake

Good new story: We will have three vice-principals next year.

Agenda: Approved by Jill and second by Elizabeth

Treasurer’s report: Tracy is absent but the balance is 1137.49

Principal’s Report

1. 769 students: more students are coming back with the ease of restrictions
2. Thank you to Home and School for organizing teacher appreciation week
3. All school supplies will be provided to all students next year
4. Student agendas will be mandatory for Grade 7 students
5. Grade 9 closing is June 23. Only a few classes will be in the gym at one time.  It worked well the last few years and a similar format will be used.  Also, a formal schedule will be provided as soon as the high schools announce their graduation times. 
6. Grade 9 prom is organized by parents. They are doing an excellent job. It will be held June26 at the PEI Brewing company. 
7. Grades 7 and 8 will be going to Sandspit. Prices are very high this year. $20 a student.
8. Reports cards are coming out June 24
9. Last day of school is June 28
10. Spring Sports are underway
11. Caring Closet is expanding to add some food items.  Clothing and shoes will continue.
12. Single Stall bathrooms will be set up next year.

New Business

1. Resolution 2022: Westwood Home and School Association submitted a school bus motion.
2. We are looking for a President, vice-president, treasurer and secretary for next year. Our kids are moving on to High School and our terms are up.  Please communicate will the office if you would like to be part of the Home and School next year.

Adjourned: 7:10

President of Stonepark H&S

Giselle Dalton

Home and School News – June 2022

1.         Elect new people to Home & School executive

Are you leaving your post as a Home & School executive member?  June is an excellent time to elect new executive and board members to your Home and School Associations.  If you need guidance to hold elections, contact the PEI Home and School Federation office at:  620-3186 / 1-800-916-0664 / peihsf@edu.pe.ca

2.         Parent Engagement Project Reports

Reports for completed Home and School’s Parent Engagement Projects are due May 31^st.

3.         School Calendar 2022-2023

Next year’s school calendar is posted online at:

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-lifelong-learning/2022-2023-school-calendar

4.         Elected School Board

The P.E.I. Home and School Federation asked the government to return to an elected school board. On May 5/22, the provincial government made amendments to the Education Act fulfilling its commitment to reinstate an elected school board.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/moving-forward-on-reinstating-an-elected-school-board

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-school-board-elections-reinstated-fall-2022-1.6438549

5.         School Food Program

There are changes to how the PEI School Food Program will collects meal orders to the end of June at: REMINDER FROM PEI SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM (mailchi.mp)

6.         Find Summer Reading ideas at your community Library Summer Reading ideas for students can be found at a P.E.I. library in your community.  Find online resources online at:  https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-lifelong-learning/online-library-resources

Home and School President

Giselle Dalton

Moving forward on reinstating an elected school board

The Province is fulfilling its commitment to reinstate an elected school board for the Public Schools Branch (PSB). Amendments to the Education Act were brought forward today in the provincial legislature.

“Our children deserve a world-class education system and a key element of building it is making sure our legislation meets the needs of our communities. The goal is for Islanders to have a stronger voice in our education system. Empowering community leaders in the decision making process will cultivate a broad range of perspectives, and help us to build a stronger system for all Islanders.”

– Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Natalie Jameson

After extensive consultation and public discussions, it is evident that Islanders support the reinstating of elected school boards, to have community trustees advocating on their behalf for every region of the province. 

“The amendments are reflective of feedback we received through the consultation process and the work already underway at the department to enhance community engagement and strengthen partnerships,” said Minister Jameson. “We are grateful to all those who participated in these important discussions about the future of education in our province.”

Upon approval of the bill, new regulations will be enacted for school board elections to take place through Elections PEI in fall 2022. The proposed new model includes a hybrid Board for the Public Schools Branch, including 8 elected trustees from across the province and 3 appointed members – one Mi’kmaq representative, and 2 members at large appointed through Engage PEI. The French Language School Board will continue to be elected and consist of 9 elected trustees from across the province. 

The province is also committed to working with the education authorities to further integrate the voice of students into school governance. 

“We recognize the importance of engaging students, and student voice, in the operations of our school systems, added Minister Jameson. “We will be working with the Education Authorities to develop new ‘student engagement’ policies that support reaching out to students on a regular basis, on matters that affect them within the school setting.”Media Contact

Autumn Tremere
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning

Home and School News, May 2022

1.       School Crossing Guard Award

Nominate a school crossing guard to receive recognition for keeping our children/youth safe during the school year.
NEW Submission date: Friday, May 13, 2022
More details at: http://peihsf.ca/crossing-guard-award

2.         School Bus Driver Award

Nominate a school bus driver to receive recognition for keeping our children/youth safe during the school year.
NEW Submission date: Friday, May 20, 2022
More details at: http://peihsf.ca/bus 

3.         Annual MeetingFeedback Request

Delegates are invited to provide feedback about the 2022 Annual Meeting & Convention.
Click here for 2022 AGM FEEDBACK FORM 

4.         Annual Meeting 2022 Video

The PEI Home and School Federation 2022 Annual Meeting’s video is linked at on our website at:
https://peihsf.ca/agm/ or AGM VIDEO5.         Welcome to Kindergarten
The 2022 Welcome to Kindergarten schedule is posted on the Public Schools Branch website at: https://edu.princeedwardisland.ca/psb/parents_students/wtk-sessions/

H&S President,

Giselle Dalton

2022 Home and School AGM

Hi there,

Countdown is on! 5 days until our AGM…

There is still time to register. Consider inviting new people from your school community. Everyone is welcome; parents, teachers, principals, school staff, bus drivers, and students. Ensure that your school is represented at the P.E.I. Home and School Federation’s Annual Meeting & Convention.

Guest speaker, Senator Brian Francis, will join us to speak about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You will have the opportunity to discuss ways to honour and celebrate the National Day for Truth and Recognition, support elected school boards, and encourage Home and School to support the mental being of students.

We would love to see you in person; however, we will offer a virtual option for those of you unsure about group meetings.

Rodd Charlottetown Hotel

Saturday, April 23, 2022

8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

REGISTER HERE:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PJflQyGanapEFKDrOOHtIV3szLbD1xqVpWwIFqqb80A/edit
 
See you on Saturday!

Heather Mullen

President

PEI Home and School Federation

Minutes of the last H&S Meeting Feb 9th,2022

Stonepark Home and School Association 

Meeting

February 9, 2022 

Present: George Trevor, Jill Burry, Giselle Dalton, Elizabeth Blake 

Approval Remarks: Welcome from Giselle (6:06)

Minutes: Approved by Jill and seconded by George

Principal Report: 

1. 766 students  
2. COVID restrictions
   1. Focus: Wearing masks properly, sitting while you eat. 
   2. Exposure notices: you need to be face to face for 10 minutes without a mask on. Only one exposure notice so far.  90%+ attendance everyday 
3. Home learning: Teachers enjoyed the online learning and appreciated a different way of engaging students. We are happy to be back but we learned a few good points.  
4. Powerschool 
   1. Parents can see grades 
   2. Report Cards: Powerschool will be shut down while teachers prepare report cards. 
   3. Program is much more user friendly 
5. Parent-teacher conferences March 3 and March 4
   1. We will let you know about the format soon. 
6. Grade 9 ACTT: Suicide Awareness and Response
   1. email went out to parents to explain the program 
7. Teacher Appreciation Week: Let’s make it amazing! We need to celebrate our teachers’ hard work.  

Day 1: Homemade goods and fruit  

Day 2: Cookies and chocolates in bags

Day 3: Cinnamon rolls 

Day 4: Administration will take care of it 

Treasurer’s Report: Total balance: $800. We have another check from VanKampens before we finalize the budget. 

Letter from Home and School Association: We will send a letter to the Public Schools Branch asking for a third Vice-principal.   

Gold Rush: Let’s keep advertising 

Meeting adjourned: 7pm   

Home and School Meeting April 19th 6:30 pm

The next Home and School meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room at
Stonepark school on Tuesday, April 19th at 6:30 p.m. At this time, we would like to
invite parents from our Feeder Schools who have an interest in supporting our school when your child
attends Stonepark. We will do a tour of the school (parents only -no kids at this time) after the
meeting. So, if you have a Grade 6 student attending Stonepark in the fall, why not come out now and get to know the Admin. Team and find out how you can get involved?!
Refreshments and door prizes will be provided!

Home and School President

Giselle Dalton