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.

Ever since NLFSC was founded, ensuring access to quality education for all our students has been central to our mission. Making certain this benefit remains accessible to all is still the focus. Funding for education is a matter of concern. We need to take a look at the way that our education system is funded - to create a finance policy that intelligently integrates all the elements critical to supporting good quality education, from the funding for parental involvement to the formula for teacher allocations.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils has continued its efforts this year to strengthen the Federation by emphasizing:

There are ongoing issues related to 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 encourage resolution and/or clarification of the issues.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

There is a well known saying which goes as follows:"Time passes quickly when you are having fun!" I am not prepared to say that the last two years have been exclusively "Fun" but time has certainly passed quickly and my first term as your president has been both enjoyable and productive, mainly due to the support of many school councils.

The issues raised throughout the year have demanded leadership and strengthened our commitment as we have advocated on behalf of our students. Determination to represent our children and to articulate a strong educational vision for this province continues to elevate our profile and ensure our recognition as equal stakeholders in education. This recognition has also placed new demands on us for representation on various government and non-government committees that seek the input of parent groups on various issues. Media attention in the days leading up to and following last year’’s AGM is evidence that the NLFSC is seen as a serious and interested stakeholder in education. Our AGM received more media attention last year than ever before.

I believe that in order for the Federation to fulfil its role in being committed to enhancing the quality of school programs, and improving the level of student achievement in schools, we need to be fully aware of what the issues are in the school curriculum. The Math Program in our schools has been a major concern for all stakeholders during the past year. We received numerous telephone calls, emails, and faxes requesting us to take a role in trying to get those involved to take action to address the concerns. We have been involved with meetings with the Department of Education on several occasions throughout the year to address this issue. Corrective measures were taken as a result of those meetings.

As a result of the strike by school board support staff in 2001, a Study Group on the Hours of Work was established and examined the hours of work required for secretarial and janitorial/maintenance services in the various school districts. This group travelled the province and received presentations from stakeholders. The NLFSC was asked to make a presentation, and highlights from the presentation were included in the final report to government. The recent provincial budget addressed the issues raised and provided increased funding for this service.

The Department of Education established a Safe and Caring Schools Initiative last spring. Based on the key actions identified at the Forum on Bullying held shortly after, the Safe and Caring Schools Advisory Committee has developed a provincial action plan to create safe and caring learning environments and to be pro-active/preventative in addressing violence issues. The NLFSC is a key representative on this provincial Advisory Committee.

Our position on issues has been sought and expressed through countless radio and newspaper interviews, and forum participations. Some of the forums or topics addressed include: Learning Curves: Education in Atlantic Canada-Is It Making the Grade?; Creating Learning Organizations: How to transform your school into a learning community; Learning to Like Learning Forum; the Canadian Space Learning Network; Securing our Community: Strengthening our Commitment; the Student Achievement Indicators Program results; and the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools.

There is the ongoing responsibility of continuing to build strong relationships with the other stakeholders in the education system. We have partnered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association on a project to promote the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative. We have endorsed a proposal by the Kids Eat Smart Foundation for funding for a project involving schools in one school district to find out what food and nutrition policies are in place in individual schools. We have worked with the NLSBA to make a series of school council training modules available on the Education Newfoundland web site and we have been asked to assist the Department of Education in revising the School Councils Handbook.

Unfortunately we continue to struggle with lack of funding. We recently requested an increase in our sustaining grant from the Department of Education but that request was refused. Nevertheless rest assured that we will, without a doubt, continue with our progress to meet the educational needs of the children we serve. Even with limited funding I believe our school councils, collectively, are making a tremendous contribution to the development of school reform and to the improvement of educational opportunities for the students of our province.

In conclusion I would like to thank Mrs. Hazel Hickey, our Executive Director for her professional and personal support over the past year. We could not have chosen a more efficient and loyal employee to handle the administrative demands and challenges that we encounter on a daily basis. I would also like to express appreciation to the members of our executive Karen Chubbs and Catherine Spinney for their commitment and to also thank Maureen Dickson for her assistance in the office. My gratitude is also extended to Adam Denny for volunteering his accounting skills to the operation of our organization (Congratulations on your new son!).

It has been a pleasure for me to have had the opportunity to work for the parents and students of this province. I am extremely proud to be affiliated with this Federation and to once again offer myself as your president.

Submitted by Denise Pike, President NLFSC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

The NLFSC is rapidly evolving as a key stakeholder in education in the province. 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 factors 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. Despite the demands placed on us, this year saw a reduction in the number of hours that Maureen worked due to budget restraints. The Executive has made some adjustments recently to have the office staffed part-time for the majority of the school year. We have relocated our offices from the Avalon East School Board, LeMarchant Road Complex, to All Saints Primary School in Conception Bay South.

The Executive Director represents the Federation on various working committees including the Safe and Caring Schools Advisory Committee; the Coalition for School Nutrition, and the Education Newfoundland Website Advisory Committee, as well as participating in meetings with the Department of Education, NLSBA, and the NLTA.

Throughout the year there have been several meetings with the Department of Education dealing with the concerns of the Federation over teacher allocations, the math curriculum, and the handbook for school councils. We have partnered with the NLTA on a project to enhance the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative of the Department of Education. I have worked with the Virtual Teacher Centre in revamping our web site and setting up a discussion forum for the Federation.

As planning for the next year for the Federation begins, the Executive needs you to help determine its priorities. What concerns and issues are most important as we strive to ensure excellence in education? Please use either the toll free line, the list serve, e-mail, or the discussion forum to provide your input.

I would like to thank the Board of Directors, member councils, and Maureen, for their guidance and support during the year and I look forward to another busy and successful year.

Submitted by Hazel Hickey, NLFSC Executive Director

MEMBERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION

The Federation now represents almost 70% of the schools in the province. We now have 221 members out of 328 schools represented. Of the non-members some are small schools, and a number of others are single classes under the French Board.

To date this year we have sent Newsletters (The Cuffer) to members in May, September, November, January, and March. A special package containing the AGM materials was sent in February. We have a toll-free telephone line for the convenience of members as well as a member listserv to facilitate quicker information exchange. We have recently been generously provided with a discussion forum in the Virtual Teacher Centre.

REPRESENTATION

The Executive and the Board of Directors

Three 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.

The President attended the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association’s Annual General Meeting in July, as well as the Canadian School Board Association’s Congress 2002. She also represented CHSF at the Canadian Teachers Federation Annual General Meeting in July. In October, Denise participated in the radio forum hosted by CBC entitled “Learning Curves” and the Creating Learning Organizations Conference.

Representatives met on two occasions-- in November and February, with Department of Education officials regarding the concerns with the Math curriculum especially at the senior high level. School Councils and parents had expressed concerns since the spring of 2002 regarding the time lines for the completion of the material. To address the concerns that were raised, the Department of Education made a commitment to take action to put some resources in place for teachers and to discuss the concerns with all districts. A followup meeting was held after the mid-term results were out to see if the actions had any impact. We were pleased to see that there was evidence of improvement, but still a need to monitor the program.

Representatives also met with the Minister of Education, the Deputy Minister, and the Assistant Deputy Ministers in December to discuss some of the concerns of the Federation including teacher allocations; the Handbook for School Councils, the Math program, and testing programs such as the CRTs.

Denise represented the Executive at Department of Education Press Conferences such as the one on the Grade 3 CRT’s, and the one on the Kinderstart Program.

Members of the executive represented the Federation at the Forum on Bullying; and the conference on the Canadian Space Learning Network.

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.

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, Community Health, St. John’s Region, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association.

In March 2002, a meeting was held with the Teen Tobacco Team to promote the idea of adding healthy eating/active living to the smoking cessation marketing it now does. TTT was receptive and presented the idea to the Minister of Health. In May 2002, the Coalition made a presentation to the Dietitians of Canada Conference in Grand Falls-Windsor. In July, 2002, a presentation of the survey results and the draft nutrition policy of the Avalon Est School Board was made to the Canadian School Boards Congress in St. John’s.

As a result of the meeting of the Coalition in January, 2003, a strategic planning session took place in February. The purpose of the session was to identify and select priority areas for action and to plan the next steps for the Coalition.

Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence

For most of us, at least one teacher stands out in our memories -- someone who encouraged, enabled and inspired us to do our very best. Teachers play a tremendous role, not only in the academic achievement of students, but in the attitudes and abilities they carry with them beyond the classroom. The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence honour outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines who best equip their students to meet the challenges of our changing society and knowledge-based economy.

Professor Rennie Gaulton at Memorial University who is also a Past President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Home & School Federation sits on the regional selection committee for the Prime Minister’s Awards. He states that there are only a few nominations from this province each year despite the great work done by our teachers. He is encouraging more people to nominate more teachers from the province for this prestigious award. Nominators may be any person or group with direct knowledge of the nominee's contribution.

Safe and Caring Schools Advisory Committee

The Department of Education is a partner in the Violence Prevention Initiative of the Government. In support of this initiative, the Student Support Services Division of the Department of Education has established a Safe and Caring Schools Initiative to promote safe and caring learning environments and to be pro-active/preventative in addressing violence issues.

To oversee the work of this initiative, a Safe and Caring Schools Advisory Committee was established with representatives from all stakeholders in education, plus community partners including the RCMP, RNC, and Health and Community Services. As part of the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative, the Department of Education sponsored a provincial forum on School Bullying in the spring of 2002. Based on the key actions identified at he forum and feedback received from the Safe and Caring Schools Advisory Group, the Division of Student Support Services has developed a Creating Peaceful Schools Provincial Action Plan.

TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

For the sixteenth year, School Councils and Home and School Associations across Canada celebrated National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week from February 9-14, 2003. The provincial Federation, through the Canadian Home and School Federation, coordinated the distribution of materials. These materials were available for purchase by groups that organized activities to recognize the contributions made by teachers and school staff to the education of our children.

We distributed more materials to parent groups this year for this event than we have ever done before. The popularity of the week that is set aside for recognition of those working with our children is growing each year. Feedback received from this event is very positive.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2002

The Annual General Meeting of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils was held in Corner Brook on April 26-28, 2002. The theme for the 2002 AGM was Empowering Parents on School Councils. Dr. Ross Elliott, Director of Education for District #3, was the keynote speaker for the conference.

The participants consisted of 48 delegates, executive members, board trustees, speakers, guests, and staff for a total of 74 people. On Saturday, delegates attended the business meeting which included an election for the position of secretary. Delegates also attended presentations and discussions on the sub-themes: the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative; Council Roles–The School Board’s Perspective and the School Council’s Perspective. Participants engaged in continuation of earlier discussions in a town hall session following the dinner on Saturday night. On Sunday morning delegates chose to attend two sessions out of the four offered: Dealing with the Media; School Improvement Planning Process–The Council Role; School-Family Relationships: Research & Practices; and TV & Me: Connecting Children and Television Responsibly.

Several resolutions were passed relating to Food and Nutrition policies in schools; funding of school councils; teacher allocations; and training for school councils and home and school associations.

STUDY GROUP ON HOURS OF WORK

As a result of the strike by NAPE school board support workers, a Study Group was established to examine the “hours of work” required for secretarial and janitorial/maintenance services in the various school districts. The study was established by Premier Roger Grimes. Chaired by Dr. Phil Warren, the study group was composed of a representative of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and two management representatives from school boards.

The report, entitled Facing the Challenge, is the result of consultations which were held in 16 locations throughout the province. Over 100 briefs and submissions were made to the study group by individual union members, school teachers and administrators, school boards, school councils, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils, NAPE, CUPE, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’’ Association. The study focused on the hours of work of secretaries, janitors and maintenance personnel, and technical support staff.

NLFSC was asked to make a presentation, and highlights from the presentation were included in the final report to government. The recommendations called for a change in the way school boards are funded for secretarial and janitorial/maintenance support staff. As well, with the emergence of information and communications technology within the education system, the report recommends a separate allocation to school boards to cover the cost of technology support. The total cost of the recommendations of the report when fully implemented would be $9.5 million annually.

The recent provincial budget addressed the issues raised in the report and provided increased funding for this aspect of the education system.

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 have partnered with the NLTA and the Department of Education in sponsoring a project to enhance the work of the Safe and Caring Schools Initiative.

We thank the Avalon East School District for providing us with office space free of charge. This contribution is greatly appreciated. Our new location gives us three separate spaces that are quite efficient plus access to a kitchen area, storage space, and a washroom.

The NLSBA has completed its two-year project 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 was represented on the Advisory Committee for this project and worked closely in the development of the school council training modules. We thank Mike Siscoe for his contribution to this project.

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.