Dates for SEAC Community Consulation Evenings have been set…

A reminder of the SEAC community consultation meetings on the following evenings:

Monday, February 8th @ 7:00 p.m. (Milton District High School)
Tuesday, February 9th @ 7:00 p.m. (MM Robinson High School)
Wednesday, February 10th @ 7:00 p.m. (Abbey Park High School)

Please promote these with your associations. Parents and community members are of course welcome to attend any session in any of the geographic areas.

Update your Blackberry, calendars and well… day timers… Important Dates!

Special Education Community Consulation Nights are set for: February 8th, 9th and 10th across Halton. Details to follow.

Halton Council Meeting: Monday, February 22 7:15 pm W.H. Morden P.S. Principal John Pennyfather will talk about the new Kindergarten program AND we’ll have our regular networking.

It’s January, but….

Well, some how the start of the school year has turned into the end of first semester for our high school students and mid second term for elementary students. No doubt as parents we are feeling swamped with schedules and volunteer roles. I will be updating the blog more frequently over the next few months so, be sure to check it regularly!

On the HDSB front – Halton Council has been asked to send a representative to a variety of committees this year. I’m extremely thrilled with our visibility at the Board and the Board’s increased invitations and consultation with Halton Council!

For 2009/2010 we have Home and School parent representation at the Board through the following committees:

SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee), French Advisory Committee, School Year Calendar Committee and of course, PIC. (Parent Involvement Committee)

We advocate continually for parent involvment and improved communication from the HDSB to parents. Having a voice at the various Board tables not only keeps parents informed, but allows the HDSB to hear what issues parents (and students) are thinking about.

Truly, this is the essence of Home and School.

Monday May 25th meeting: Sam Sherratt – Milton!

It’s the hip place to be on Monday night – our final official meeting of the year… on the agenda (which we’re still building…): update on PRO Grants for 2009/2010, the HDSB Parent Engagement Report, Association updates… and well, whatever else..

Still time to let us know what YOU would like to discuss… just add a comment below.

Special Athletes Track Meet MAY 29th!!

Hey guys! Let’s get out and support our special athletes! The meet takes place at Nelson High School, New Street, Burlington. 9:30am til 2:30pm. They’d love your support and it’s a really fun day. Dress for the weather!

School Effectiveness Survey

It must be spring! The HDSB School Effectiveness survey is ready for you to complete… and you have until Friday May 15, 2009. to do so.

Parents may complete the survey on-line from the HDSB website at www.hdsb.ca, from wherever Internet access is available. If you do not have access to the Internet or need assistance in order to complete the survey, please discuss alternatives with your child’s school Principal or Vice-Principal.

NOTE: To log-on, parents must have their child’s/children’s Ontario Education Number (OEN), a number found on report cards.
Further information is available through your child’s school or by contacting the Research Department, Halton District School Board at (905) 335-3663.

Yet another way to hear from you…

Just created a “Polls and Questions” tab – check it out (just click on the tab above)…..

Conference Wrap Up

Today was busy in Brantford… Town Hall meeting began at 9 – Yaw Obeng (HDSB) began by reviewing the member survey and leading discussion re: what works and what doesn’t. Surprising to learn OFHSA’s ability to issue tax receipts was not too important to members. Much discussion around training and how to mentor new volunteers. Great suggests for the OFHSA web site as well.

Of course, what makes Home and School different from most parent driven groups is our policies —> the afternoon was spent discussing proposed new policies and direction. Thinking we’ll review this tomorrow – time to unwind!

The AGM Begins…

Just finished a day of meetings which saw the nominations and acceptance of the OFHSA Officers for the next year. Also, discussions around our support of the Canadian Federation.. (details later)
Heading to the first part of the Annual General Meeting and the Opening Dinner
Beside dealing with the business of OFHSA, this is always a GREAT time to network and get to know parents and stakeholders from around the province.

More soon…

maureen

Good morning from Conference 2009…

Once again, I find myself feeling inspired. At our Board of Director meetings yesterday we sorted thru some housekeeping type business and also passed a motion for the BOD to follow up with EQAO about the inequality in the testing and how test results are used – specifically the grade 9 math test results. It is up to the school and/or board whether a student’s results can account for between 10 to 100% of their final mark.

SO, a student at one school could be writing a Provincial test worth 10% while the school across town has the student\’s marks being soley based on ONE test. Not such a equal ground for a Provincially Standard Test.

I\’ll keep you updated on this hot issue!

Maureen