The Parent Voice

Revolving around the theme Pathways to Success, the 2nd Edition of Ignite Parents, held on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the Listowel Golf Club was an evening of enlightening but brief presentations aimed at helping parents gain a better understanding of their student’s education. Presenters focused on such topics as apprenticeships, college, university, school to work, tech and skilled trades for men and women as well as student re-engagement.

Following the Ignite format, each presentation is only 5 minutes long utilizing 20 slides timed to advance after 15 seconds. If you missed the evening or attended and would like to watch the videos again here is the link to the Ignite Parents website: http://igniteparents.ca/

The First Ever Earth – Space Music Monday Concert

Is your family following the exploits of Canada’s Commander Chris Hadfield in the International Space Station? Classrooms and family rooms all across Canada are enthralled by Commander Hadfield’s easy communication style as he explains what it is like to live up on the space station and the purpose of the many experiments being conducted during his stay. He even took time out from the “official business” of the space station to collaborate with Ed Robertson (of Barenaked Ladies fame) in writing a song called “Is Somebody Singing,” the official theme song for 2013′s Music Monday. A very special treat is coming up for us on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 12:00 pm EDT as Commander Hadfield will take part in the nation-wide live webcast of this event together with earth bound participants located at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. For more information including the full line up of performers  check out Music Monday’s website at http://www.musicmonday.ca.

This event is especially timely in light of People for Education’s recently released report on The Arts in Ontario Schools which examines the availability of arts education to Ontario’s student population. The final recommendations of this report note that:

“there is strong evidence that arts education provides a key foundation for developing the students’ creativity, engagement and academic achievement. Arts education both supports individual learning and development and builds students’ capacity to communicate and work in teams.”

The full report with all it’s findings and recommendations is available through this link on the People for Education website: http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/pfe-news/students-missing-essential-arts-education-and-enrichment/

PRO Grant Submission Deadline: May 21, 2013

The PRO grants for school councils are intended to support school-based initiatives to reach parents who face barriers that prevent them from becoming involved in their children’s learning at home and at school. School councils may develop proposals individually, with other school councils in the same board, or with other groups in the school or in the community. PRO grants support the ministry’s goals and key priorities such as the Math Strategy and our commitment to helping parents work on math with their children. The grants also support a “whole school” approach to fostering a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment.

Please note that the deadline for the 2013/2014 PRO grant submissions is Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Applications are required to be submitted electronically using the on-line application tool found at: PRO Grant Application

Click here for the ministry guide to completing your application: PRO Grant Information

Please remember to forward a copy of your submission to the Director’s Office.

1_Handbook_for_PIC_Members_2011

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Parent engagement is important to student success! Here are two resources that parents may download. One is a Parent Tool Kit: What Parents Can Do to Help Their Child Succeed in School and the other is Planning Parent Engagement: A Guidebook for Parents and Schools.                                                                                                                                                                                       Parent Tool Kit and Planning Parent Engagement

Parents are vital partners in education. They influence their children’s attitudes about learning, and support learning at home. They are a vital link between home and school. And when they become involved in the life of the school, they make our schools better places to learn, grow and thrive. Read about parents as partners here: Parents in Partnership

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/