INTRODUCTION
The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils (NLFSC) is a provincial
umbrella group for parents, teachers, high school students where applicable, and
community supporters who are committed to enhancing the quality of school programs and
improving the levels of student achievement in our schools. NLFSC provides school
councils and parent groups with a voice on educational issues and encourages parental
involvement at all levels of education.
NLFSC is a non-profit organization. Membership consists of school-based parent groups,
who are represented through School Councils, Home and School Associations, Parent-Teacher Associations and Parent Advisory Committees. Membership is optional, renewed
annually, and is held by the School Council. Aside from the minimal office staff, NLFSC is
run by a volunteer Board of Directors with representation from across the province.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils has continued its efforts
this year to strengthen the Federation by emphasizing:
- representation at various levels of governance
- a communication network
- provision of resources and requested information
There are ongoing issues related to school fees, labour disputes, school council training,
cutbacks in funding for education, and provincial student achievement in national
assessments. The NLFSC continues to work to strengthen communication between the
Department of Education, school boards, the Federation and councils to attempt to resolve
and/or clarify issues such as these.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The 2001-2002 school year has been an extremely challenging and productive year for the
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils. The controversial issues of
school fees, changes in the curriculum, NAPE strike and recent NLTA negotiations have
demanded leadership, incited perseverance and strengthened our commitment as
advocates for our students. Our determination to represent our children and to articulate a
strong educational vision for this province has elevated our profile and ensured our
recognition as equal stakeholders in education.
During the past year we have actively participated in countless Provincial Advisory
committees and our concerns have been expressed through countless radio and
newspaper interviews. We were tagged as "the middle man and negotiators through the
media" during the NAPE strike and the recent contract discussions between the NLTA and
the Government. As well our input and advice was requested when the results of the
National Math survey ( SAIP) were released a few weeks ago.
To say it has been a busy year would be an understatement--little did I know that 2001-02
school year would bring such unrest and upheaval in our education system! However I am
extremely pleased and honoured with the amount of support that has been demonstrated by
school councils from all around the province. Since the beginning of the school year our
membership has increased from 149 to 233 schools. This growing confidence will enable
us to proceed with our endeavors to collaboratively attain an excellence in education. Your
support is instrumental and greatly appreciated!
I look forward to the challenges of the next year, a major one being the school fee issue. I
am receiving calls from the media on a monthly basis for our opinion, position and future
plans in addressing this provincial concern. It is bound to be a very hot topic that will
without a doubt, raise its ugly head once again before school reopens in September. There
is also the ongoing responsibility of continuing to build strong relationships with the other
stakeholders in the education system. In addition, as councils we need to gain a better
understanding of our roles at a local school level in order to be effective. With this in mind,
the federation will continue to campaign and request that schools councils are provided
with adequate training sessions.
Although it has been challenging, I have enjoyed my first year in the position of President. I
am truly appreciative of the support that the other members of the executive--past and
present--have given me and am especially grateful to Eva Whitmore--past Executive
Director, our present Executive Director Hazel Hickey and office assistant Maureen Dickson
for their advice, dedication, encouragement and loyalty. Without their assistance the extent
of what we have accomplished would not have been possible.
Submitted by Denise Pike, President NLFSC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Serving as Executive Director of this Federation is a rewarding experience, though,
sometimes, the pace of events can be a little disconcerting for one working part time. The
NLFSC is rapidly evolving as a stakeholder in education. This can be attributed to:
increased representation and communication, changes in the funding for education, and an
ever-growing awareness of the school council's responsibilities. These are supported by
the desire of NLFSC executive, member volunteers, and staff to create an organization that
anticipates and responds to the individual and collective needs of member councils; all that
to enhance the quality of education for our children.
The office of the NLFSC operates on a part time basis with an Executive Director and
Executive Assistant, Maureen Dickson. This year saw long-time ED, Eva Whitmore, leave
her position and join the private sector. During her portion of the year Eva represented the
Federation at various public events, including the May 2001 Coalition for School Nutrition
Press Release, the September 2001 Kids Eat Smart Name Launch, the October 2001
Canada Post Literacy Awards, and the November 2001 Launch of the Virtual Teacher
Centre. I had the pleasure, along with the President, of representing the Federation at the
March 2002 Launch of Education Week.
The Executive Director represents the Federation on various working committees including
the Community Services Council Volunteering 2 Work Advisory Committee, the Coalition for
Nutrition Advisory Committee, and the Education Newfoundland Website Advisory
Committee, as well as participating in meetings with the Department of Education, NLSBA,
and the NLTA.
As planning for the next year for the Federation begins, we need ideas and suggestions
from you to help determine our priorities. What NLFSC activities do you find most
important? What needs to be changed? My goal is to make not being a member of NLFSC
simply unacceptable for school councils. What do you suggest? Give us your input at our
AGM or e-mail me your thoughts and concerns.
Submitted by Hazel Hickey, NLFSC Executive Director
MEMBERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION
The Federation now represents more than 70% of the schools in the province. We now
have 233 members out of 328 schools represented. Of the 91 non-members 29 are small
schools, and a number of others are single classes under the French Board.
To date this year we have sent Newsletters to members in September, November, and
March (The Cuffer). Bulletins were also mailed in December and February. We have a
toll-free telephone line for the convenience of members as well as a member listserv to
facilitate quicker information exchange.
The Executive and the Board of Directors
Five meetings of the Board of Directors were held during the year. The Business of the
Federation was carried out by using e-mail, fax and telephone during the rest of the year.
Our President attended the May 2001 meeting of the Implementation Team for the
Ministerial Panel Report. She also met with the Minister of Education and Department of
Education officials in September, October and November 2001.
Members of the executive represented the Federation at the SchoolNet Advisory Committee
meeting in November 2001; Special Needs Advisory Committee meetings in November
2001, and February 2002; NAPE in October 2001; and Health Canada Consultation on
Tools for Schools in May 2001.
The first vice president represented the Federation at the June 2001 CHSF AGM and the
November 2001 CHSF Mid-Term meeting.
The Federation was represented by Susan Oates at the May 2001 NLSBA AGM in
Stephenville.
Advisory Committee on Student Support Services
The Special Needs Advisory Committee on Student Support Services consults with the
division of Student Support Services on any matter related to the establishment and
provision of programs and services for students with exceptionalities. This committee
includes representatives from various advocacy and support groups. Some of the areas
which are encompassed by Special Needs include learning disabilities, gifted, physical,
challenging needs and the hard-of-hearing. Representatives from numerous groups and
organizations as well as personnel from the Department of Education, school boards and
Memorial University meet at least three times a year to assess the delivery of programs and
services in the area of Special Needs. The main focus of the group is on children and youth
with exceptionalities in the primary, elementary and secondary system. The committee has
the following terms of reference:
- To review the issues related to the coordination of services
- To discuss issues related to safe schools.
- To identify current issues to ensure the needs of the stakeholders and other
educational partners are addressed.
- To share appropriate information about divisional activities with respective
stakeholder groups.
- To submit an annual report to the Assistant Deputy Minister for primary, elementary
and secondary education. This report is also forwarded to the Minister of Education.
For the past number of years the area of Special Needs/Student Support Services has
been the target of great controversy throughout the province. The committee provides the
opportunity for many significant stakeholders to voice their concerns and to seek solutions
to ensuring equal rights in education for all students.
Some topics of discussion during this year's meetings included:
Occupational Therapy--its benefits and place in the school system.
Public Exam Accommodation/Adaptation Guidelines.
The ISSP process.
The Pathways document.
Safe and Caring schools.
Diverse learning.
Training and Professional development in the area of Special Needs.
A review of the Student Services Policy Manual (draft).
Submitted by Denise Pike, President NLFSC
Coalition for School Nutrition
The Coalition for School Nutrition consists of two funding partners, The Kids Eat Smart
Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and The School Milk Foundation of
Newfoundland and Labrador, in co-operation with the Dietitians of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Other partnering community organizations include The Newfoundland and
Labrador Federation of School Councils, Department of Education, Department of Health
and Community Services, Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association, and the
Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association.
In October of 2000 The Coalition for School Nutrition sent surveys to every school in
Newfoundland and Labrador and asked them about their Food and Nutrition Policies, Food
Services and Physical Activity Levels. The results of the survey were released in May 2001.
These results can be viewed at www.nlta.nf.ca/html_files/coalition/suvey.html. In December
2001, the Coalition met with the Ministers of Education and Health & Community Services
and their ADMs to present the results and propose solutions. A follow up meeting of the
Advisory Committee was held in February 2002 to discuss next steps and develop an action
plan for keeping this in the forefront.
Canadian Home and School Federation
NLFSC is a member of the Canadian Home and School Federation (CHSF). CHSF is a
national, non-profit and non-partisan umbrella organization for ten provincial affiliates
representing parents committed to improving the quality of education available to their
children.The Board of Directors of the Canadian Home and School Federation is made up
of parent volunteers.
Report on the CHSF Annual General Meeting, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
June 6-9, 2001 (separate report)
Report on the CHSF Mid-Term Meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, November 15-21, 2001
(separate report)
The next AGM of the CHSF in 2002 will take place in Winnipeg, in early June. This AGM
conference will come to St John's, Newfoundland in 2006.
Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
It is with great pleasure that I represent the Federation again this year on the regional
selection committee of the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence. The event this
year takes place in Ottawa on May 23, 2002. The great work done by teachers across the
country and especially in Newfoundland and Labrador is recognized by these awards.
Three of the fifteen recipients from across the country last year were from Newfoundland
and Labrador. This despite few nominations from the province. I encourage more people to
nominate more teachers from the province for this prestigious award.
Submitted by Professor Rennie Gaulton, Past-President
Newfoundland and Labrador Home & School Federation
SCHOOL FEES POSITION PAPER
The issue of 'school fees' charged to parents has become increasingly controversial over the last two
years. Up to September 2000, the majority of parents paid fees in September as a matter of course,
while the school worked with those who had financial difficulties to either arrange payment in
instalments or, in some cases, to waive the fees and absorb them into the school's budget.
In the news release of September 20, 2000, then Acting Minister of Education Beaton Tulk, informed
parents that fees are 'voluntary'. This has had large repercussions in schools. In many schools, the
amount of money taken in from parents through school fees is larger than the amount of money
allotted to the school by the school board. A much greater proportion of parents are opting not to pay
fees, having been told they are 'voluntary'. This includes not only parents who have financial difficulty
paying fees, but those who decline to pay on principle, having contributed to education through their
taxes. Schools have no way of recovering these funds and must eventually eliminate services to
compensate.
In a joint press release with NLFSC, September 2001, the Minister Foote qualified Minister Tulk's
statements, explaining that fees are voluntary only in the sense that students whose parents are
unable to pay school fees will nonetheless have access to all programs. These statements helped, but
did not completely reverse the trend, and many parents are still opting not to pay school fees, leaving
many schools in a difficult position.
In November, 2001, the NLFSC drafted a position paper on school fees and other charges to parents
and circulated for member input, comment and suggestions. The intent is to present the final revised
document and recommendations to the Minister of Education in concert with other stakeholders in
education.
Recent results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)- Programme
for International Student Assessment (PISA) are one indication of continued need to improvement in
education in Newfoundland and Labrador. Though Canada, as a whole, performed very well on this
study, the Atlantic provinces and Newfoundland did not. Parents certainly have a reason to be worried
about disruptions to education. From a student and parent point of view, the desired outcome is
obvious - no disruption to student education. We need to examine this situation further and decide
what is a reasonable expectation.
TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
For the fifteenth year, School Councils and Home and School Associations across Canada
celebrated National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week from February 10-16, 2002. The provincial
Federation, through the Canadian Home and School Federation, coordinated the materials that
were available for purchase by those groups who organized activities to recognize the contributions
made by teachers and school staff to the education of our children. Feedback from this event was
very positive.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2001
The twenty-third Annual General Meeting of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School
Councils was held in St. John's on April 27-29, 2001. The theme for the 2001 AGM was
Challenges. On Saturday, delegates attended the business meeting as well as presentations and
discussions on the sub-themes: the challenges of literacy and funding. On Sunday morning
delegates chose two sessions from a variety of topics, including: safe schools, PTAs -still relevant,
what parents should know about web awareness and Internet safety, education and equality,
helping councils do their job, our children-our future: family resource centres, planning to meet the
needs of children and youth through the ISSP process-a parent's role, young teens and alcohol.
Several resolutions were passed relating to bullying at school, air quality assessment, per pupil
grant, membership fees, substitute teacher time and professional development, and school fees.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Federation is pleased by the collaboration and support of the Newfoundland and Labrador
Teachers' Association. As well as being open to discussions of educational issues, the NLTA
provided financial support through complimentary printing of our newsletters and other resources.
We thank the Avalon East School Board for providing us with office space free of charge. This
contribution is greatly appreciated.
The NLSBA is in the second year of its two-year grant to develop a web-site to a) provide a 'one-stop shop' site for information on education and b) provide support to school councils. The NLFSC
sits on the Advisory Committee for this project.
The Canadian School Volunteer Program Awards were generously sponsored by Healthy
Alternatives, Inc. and the Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation. The provincial award is $5,000
and the national award is $10,000. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School
Councils is pleased to congratulate Immaculate Conception School Council, Colliers ,
Newfoundland, as the National Winner of the Canadian School Volunteer Program Award, and
Paradise Elementary School Council, Paradise, Newfoundland, as the Provincial Winner of the
Canadian School Volunteer Program Award.
We are actively seeking other community and business partnerships. If any of you are involved in a
community organization or business that you feel would consider partnership with NLFSC, please
let us know! In return for their support, either financial or in-kind, an organization or business would
receive a favourable profile with school councils across the province.
