Morell / Souris Family of Schools District Advisory Council
May 25th, 2022 - Microsoft Teams Meeting
Guests: Bethany MacLeod, Deputy Minister – Department of Education and Lifelong Learning; John Cummings, Executive Director of Educational Services – Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
Discussion
The Morell/ Souris DAC had met a total of three times leading up to the final meeting on May 25th, 2022, in which they brought forward recommendations to representatives from the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning. The council discussed the topics listed below in detail with the department representatives.
Traffic Safety
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The DAC expressed concern about school bus safety and that further steps should be taken to ensure students can continue to be safe on buses. A suggestion was to add higher-grade cameras to school buses to monitor passing vehicles.
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The council discussed the proposition that was tabled at the 2022 Home and School Association Annual General Meeting pertaining to having a second adult on school buses.
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The lack of a crosswalk or crossing guard at Morell Consolidated was an area of concern that the group wanted to bring forward to ensure that action is taken. Suggestions include a crossing guard, increased signage, and neon crossing flags that children use to cross the streets. Several other schools in the region have used these precautions and have seen a positive change.
Response:
- The DELL, among other partners, have come together to create a School Bus Safety Task Force, which will work on various initiatives to increase school bus safety for island students.
Parent Representation and Engagement
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The DAC discussed various levels of engagement from parents through Home and School. Overall engagement and participation have been low, and the group is hopeful that the coming school year will bring a new light of positivity to the region. Burnout is real for many families.
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It was also shared that many Home and Schools work differently, but the perception is the same, meaning that many parents feel they are becoming part of a fundraising committee. In reality, there is only a small percentage of some Home and School's responsibility. Multiple local Home and Schools work to focus on specific goals and projects.
Response:
- Parents and past DAC members will continue to be an important voice in education on PEI, and they are encouraged to remain involved whether it be through the election for the newly elected board of trustees, through their child's school directly or through participating in their local Home and School.
Island School Food Program
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The DAC emphasized the value and effectiveness of the Island School Food Program. Uptake varies at each school, but there has been an overall positive review.
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The council suggested that the program explore expanding the two-week rotation to a three-week rotation. While this presents challenges, it would provide more variety and options for students.
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The group wanted to ensure that the "Pay As You Go" model is sustainable with the rise in the cost of food. Many families rely on this option for their children; the program would be missed if it was discontinued.
Response:
- The DAC heard from the Executive Director of the Island School Food Program, who indicated that fewer families have been paying into the "Pay What You Can Program" stemming from several possible factors. They noted that marketing will play an integral role in educating parents to appropriately use and contribute to the program. Various marketing campaigns have taken place, and the organization looks forward to further developments and innovations in the future.
Mental Health
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The DAC shared that a full-time school counsellor should be in each school, no matter the size, to support students' social/ emotional well-being. The council understands that there has been an increase in additional staff but still would like to see a full-time position designated for each School.
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A point that the DAC shared was that many younger students have limited exposure and experiences as a result of COVID, and this is especially true for kindergarten students.
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Many students suffer from anxiety, and many times it can be due to their environment. The DAC suggested that the DELL explore further educational opportunities for outdoor education. A number of jurisdictions have made strides in this type of education, and PEI should also consider this.
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The group talked about the lasting effects that COVID will have on students. Resource allocation will be key in order to help students develop and progress through the education system.
Responses:
- In the 2021-2022 school year, 12 new counsellor positions were added.
- The DELL will continue to provide resources, services and aid for students, teachers, staff and administrators throughout the lasting effects of COVID. With this, the English and French programs are working with the boards to put together plans to help address the gaps that have been created as a result of COVID.
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The Junior Policy Analyst contacted both the Director of English Education Programs and Services and the Director of French Programs to echo the DACs advisement on exploring further outdoor education learning opportunities. The DELL aims to support the mental health of students, staff, and administrators in every way they can and intends to explore further possibilities for outdoor education and learning opportunities in the future.
Diversity and Inclusion
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The DAC expressed that teachers and administrators would benefit from additional training in this area. The council said that the PD being developed and delivered will be and is being well received.
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The group discussed previous collaborations at the school level with the PEERS Alliance to deliver various materials to student bodies in the region.
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June is Pride month, and the group discussed messaging at the school level to support awareness.
Responses:
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The DELL hired a Diversity Consultant, which started in December 2021, and their focuses, goals and objectives of the position are the following:
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identifying gaps in departmental literature,
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deals with community engagement and understanding their needs, listening to stories, and working with this information when creating new frameworks,
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works closely with the PSB on policy and research to ensure alignment,
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works closely with the PEITF, focusing on PD for teachers and helping them feel more confident in dealing with gender, race and other issues.
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The Junior Policy Analyst reached out to the Diversity Consultant in regards to the recommendations the DAC had brought forward, and she indicated the following points in response:
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Various mandatory professional development have taken place over the past school year, including:
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December - SOGI and racism, introduction to cultural competency.
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February - Facilitating courageous conversations.
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June; Diversity lesson planning workshop where tip sheets created in collaboration with PEERS, and shared for school/staff use
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- Worked with PEERS, BCS PEI, BIPOC USHR to create various PD and resources.
April 20th, 2022 - Microsoft Teams Meeting
Discussion
The Morell/ Souris DAC worked collaboratively to construct a list of recommendations that they would like to bring forward to the Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning. The council plans to review their recommendations and discussion topics through a collaborative document that was shared between the group after the meeting. The Morell/ Souris DAC intends to discuss the following topics in their year-end meeting.
Traffic Safety, Bus Routes, and School Buses
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The DAC echoed the need for further traffic safety measures to be set in place in the district. Whether it be before, during, or after school, the speed of traffic around schools causes concern. RCMP has increased its presence, and schools have contacted the municipalities, but further measures could be taken to ensure safety remains a top priority.
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Bus routes were discussed in the last meeting, and this is currently being looked into at the Public Schools Branch. The council shared that certain students are spending extended periods of time on school buses and that routes should be revised to ensure that a student is not the first one on the bus in the morning and the last one off the bus in the afternoon.
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School Bus Safety is a concern for many. Whether it be investing in better equipment or providing further training, the council feels passionate about advocating for positive changes in this area.
Parent Involvement and Engagement
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The DAC expressed there is a shortage of helpers when it comes to assisting any type of event in the schools, whether it be the Breakfast Program or helping Judge a Science Fair for example. This presents many challenges when providing services or planning events that rely on volunteering. Over the past number of years, it seems there has been less involvement from parents, but it has also been challenging for parents to be involved due to COVID restrictions changing.
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When events/ information sessions are hosted online, attracting individuals to the meetings remains difficult. It is felt that many parents/ guardians are burnt out from the pandemic. Being involved in extracurriculars for their children does not seem to be a priority for many households at this time.
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The DAC is hopeful for a more normal start to next year's school year and that engagement and parent involvement shift for the better in the region.
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The group would like to echo the importance of rural families of schools having an equal voice when it comes to the newly elected school board (if passed).
Mental Health
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Staff, students, and parents' mental health during the pandemic have all been significantly affected. Unfortunately, there will be a long transition from the pandemic, and with this, there will be a need for services and aids for students and staff. Increased program and service access is something the DAC would like to see to help individuals.
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The complexity of needs has been a challenge school staff have been facing more and more as the years have gone on. The DAC is hopeful that further resources can be allocated to support existing teachers and staff in this important work. When schools do not have a full-time counsellor, it can be very difficult to meet the needs of students. More resources in this area would allow staff to work more proactively versus reactively.
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Reducing screen time is a challenge for many at school and home. Outdoor education was a suggestion the DAC would like to make and look into further funding possibilities. It is felt that this is very timely and would help improve student life and offer various educational opportunities. The council would like to follow suit with other jurisdictions adopting work in this space.
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A barrier that the DAC has identified regarding the Student Well-Being Teams and helping students receive services has been the parental consent piece. Clear program communication can help with this.
School Food Program
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The DAC received a response from the Executive Director of the Island Food Program on their inquiry. Further discussion on the topic among the group expressed concerns about the program's longevity with its current pay what you can model. In saying this, the program is doing an excellent job communicating to parents and guardians through marketing their purpose and the role each family plays in the program.
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Overall, the DAC appreciates the program and the vendors that provide the meals and would like to see it continually supported in coming years as they feel it has served students greatly.
March 22nd, 2022 - Microsoft Teams Meeting
Discussion
Parent Representation and School Engagement
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Parent representation and engagement continue to be a struggle in the region, and with COVID-19 restrictions easing, households and parents are getting busier by returning to sporting events, among other activities.
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Parents are seeing the same level of parent engagement with Home and School.
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With a number of restrictions present in the school, it does not allow parents to enter the school to help during school hours. The group is hopeful that next year's participation increases and engagement across all schools.
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The group appreciates the efforts of administrators, teachers, and other staff as they have been going above and beyond to ensure children have the best opportunity to learn in the classroom.
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The DAC echoed that school newsletters have been a communication method schools use to inform parents about different news and upcoming events.
Elected School Board
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The group discussed how the DACs would be affected if the proposed legislation re: the elected school board for the Public Schools Branch is passed.
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On March 2nd, 2022, an information session was open to all DAC members across PEI to answer and discuss the proposed legislation.
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The group emphasized how parent engagement will be important for the new board of trustees if the proposed legislation is passed. If the board of trustees takes office, the DAC would like to be made aware of the work and recommendations made by the DACs over the past years.
Traffic Safety and Bus Routes
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The DAC discussed the lack of a crosswalk or crossing guard at Morell Consolidated for kids who walk across the street. The group feels that safety precautions must be taken, whether one child or fifty children cross the road here. The group would like to advocate for further safety measures to be taken here. Several suggestions were a crossing guard, increased signage, and neon crossing flags that kids use while walking across the street, to name a few.
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It was noted that Souris Regional has a crossing guard, and it seems to be a success. Several schools in other regions have these safety measures in place, and the DAC would like to see positive change in Morell.
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Bus routes were also discussed, and group members shared that students who live less than 10 minutes from the school are on the bus for over an hour at times. It was suggested that students with a long bus ride be one of the first stops after school. The district supervisor for the Kings County area at the PSB has been made aware of this issue and plans to look to make adjustments to improve the routing for the next school year.
Mental Health and the Student Well-Being Team
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Mental health is at the forefront of many conversations in education, whether it be regarding students, staff, teachers, or administrators. The DAC would like to ensure that all resources within the schools are supported not only in pandemic times but set up for a future to succeed and help students succeed.
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The group was sent an email earlier in March to complete a survey to help the Student Well-Being Team update their strategic plan. The Student Well-Being Team values feedback and will use it to adapt and improve their services for the future.
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It was shared that a number of the other DACs have heard from the Student Well-Being Team and that the minutes from these discussions have been posted on their DAC web pages. A couple of follow-up points to this were that the Student Well-Being is working to put together an inventory of presentations that will be able to be delivered across PEI as this will allow students experiencing similar difficulties to come together and learn about a given topic or issue. With this, the rollout of a walk-in clinic-style service is happening in the High Schools across PEI.
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When Students have the opportunity to build relationships with the staff are more willing to seek help.
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A barrier that the DAC has identified has been parental consent.
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Many of the smaller schools have a 50% counsellor, which does not meet the needs of the students. In order to take a more proactive approach, smaller schools need more support so they can be more proactive and less reactive.
PEI School Food Program
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The DAC discussed how this program has been going in their regions.
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The current "Pay What You Can" model has presented financial challenges, and the rising cost of food has been a significant hurdle.
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The benefit of this program is that it is open to everyone, much like the breakfast programs in schools.
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A barrier for some parents is that a Mastercard or VISA must be used to pay online, and some families do not have these types of cards.
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The group would like to learn more about the logistics of the "Pay What You Can" model and if there is a way to help increase the support of the program without increasing the financial burden on families that cannot afford it.
Diversity, Gender and Equity
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This remains to be a subject that educators are learning about so they can be better equipped to handle the classroom and the ever-changing dynamics in the schools.
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The group was made aware that other DACs across PEI are having similar discussions and that the meeting minutes can be found on the DAC webpage.
Lack of Cellular Coverage at Mount Stewart School
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The lack of cellular coverage on school property remains a safety concern as staff and students cannot use cell phones on the property.
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Further equipment has been recommended to help with the issue, but a significant financial barrier comes with this.
December 1st, 2021 - Microsoft Teams Meeting
Guests: John Cummings, Executive Director of Educational Services
Discussion
Group Guidelines and Expectations
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The Junior Policy Analyst will prepare and send along the meeting agenda before each meeting.
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The group will contribute to the agenda by adding action items, progress on past work, and any new priorities they would like to discuss.
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The group would like to continue using Doodle Polls to decide when the best suited times are for the group to meet.
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It is understood that the meetings can take place virtually or in person, and if the meeting is to occur in person, proper vaccination protocols must be conducted.
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The group discussed having a meeting chair to ensure the agenda items are discussed and that everyone has a chance to share. The Junior Policy Analyst will chair future meetings.
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The group is welcome to meet on their own outside of regular meeting times without the Junior Policy Analyst and bring this information forward with the larger group in the next meeting.
District Advisory Council Overview
Tyler Gallant, the Junior Policy Analyst for the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, gave a presentation that offered information regarding the DACs and their role in the PEI education system.
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The mandate of the DACs is to help shape an education system that is focused on and meets the need of learners.
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The role of the DACs is to advise the Minister of Education on district priorities, engage school communities in discussions, and foster collaboration among school councils, Home and School associations, and the community.
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Responsibilities of the membership include reporting concerns to your local home and School to the DAC, providing leadership in identifying priorities to focus on, working collaboratively with members and reporting back to your local Home and School, the discussions and outcomes of the DAC meetings.
Topics of Discussion
Elected School Board
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Discussion about the Elected School Board consultations and how this change could affect the DAC. Currently in review, and the group will revisit this topic at a later date when more information is available.
Representation in the Group
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Representation at both the parent and student levels has been challenging.
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The current group plans to advocate for stronger involvement through Home and School meetings and by reaching out to principals. The Junior Policy Analyst will follow up with both High Schools in the family of schools in an attempt to gain additional student representation.
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The group is open to having a teacher representative join to share their perspective.
Transportation Safety
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Home and School groups have discussed school bus safety after several incidents in the region this school year. Home and School are continuously working with local authorities and the PSB to ensure the safety of the students.
Lack of Cellular Coverage at Mount Stewart School
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The group discussed how Mount Stewart has no cellular coverage, which presents a significant safety concern in the case of an emergency. The school has attempted to get around this using walkie-talkies but has not had any luck.
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The RCMP has echoed the concern and safety implications of no cellular service.
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ITSS has been contacted, and John will reach out and dive deeper into this for the group.
Mental Health
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Mental health remains a topic of discussion in schools and at Home and School meetings. Both students and teachers struggle with this and are supported to use the resources that they have access to, such as the Employee Assistance Program and the Student Well-Being Teams.
Gender, Diversity and Equity
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This remains to be a topic that is discussed but can always use more discussion. The group would like to discuss what can be done in this area to ensure that individuals are respected and treated fairly. The Junior Policy Analyst will connect the group with the Director of Student Services at the PSB to explore further possibilities in this area.
Social Media
- Dealing with parents' concerns posted over social media has been a challenge for some schools, and Mount Stewart has been able to use the school newsletters to remind parents of processes that the schools use to deal with concerns.
Upcoming Media Blitz
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The group would like to express their interest in participating in this positive initiative and would also like to ensure there is rural representation with teachers, parents and students in the presented content. The project is in its early stages, and the group may reach out to the project contact.
Previous School Years