A Newspaper for School Councils in Newfoundland and Labrador                                                 
                      
                  November/December 2014     

•	

Message from the President
Mr. Peter Whittle

Congratulations to all the parents, teachers and community representatives who have answered the call to become more involved with our 
education system and student success.
Through involvement in school councils parents have an opportunity to influence the delivery and outcomes of school programs. 

By now, most School Councils will have had their establishment meeting following the 
process outlined in the School Councils 
Regulations. 

Please be sure that your council membership has been submitted to the federation to facilitate 
better communication with us. 
If you have questions about the role of council, meeting strategies, sub-committees, governance or other issues, please do not hesitate to contact our office at: 229-2094 or 1-877-739-4830.

The Federation has received more interest and calls for support than ever before as we work together to effectively support and enhance 
student learning. The federation often consults the membership, through our list serve, on 
issues. Your feedback is vital to any position that we communicate to the media and our 
stakeholders. 
Please take the time to discuss our questions, via the Listserv, and reply.

Since our last edition of The Cuffer, the Hon. Susan Sullivan has been appointed as the new Minister of Education. We would like to welcome her to the role and look forward to 
continuing our good working relationship with her department. 

I would also like to congratulate Dr. Jim Dinn on his re-election as President of the 
Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers 
Association. 

Continued on Page 2

President’s Message Continued

Working together as partners in 
education, we are making a tremendous 
difference to our children.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to two special educators from province who were recognized for their contribution to 
education. Gregory Woolgar of St. Matthew’s in St. John’s and Carol Roberts of Holy Trinity High School in Torbay were recipients of the Prime Minister of Canada’s Award for Teaching Excellence and for Excellence in Early 
Childhood Education.

Our executive has had several meetings this fall and are engaged with government on Full-day Kindergarten, Power of Play, e-cigarettes, 
addictions, mental health, student transportation, early childhood development, special services, 
inclusion, assessment and evaluation policies, literacy, math programs, Safe & Caring Schools & teacher allocations. 

We are also in the midst of a significant
constitutional rework to reflect changes 
suggested by our membership in voting, policy debate and executive composition. 
The new amendments will be forwarded to you for consideration in advance of our General Meeting and election of officers on Saturday May 2, 2015 at The Holiday Inn in St. John’s. 

We will continue to keep you updated on the General Meeting. Please ask your council to consider participating. 
We look forward to see you there.

Thanks for your shared commitment to our children education.

Sincerely

Peter L. Whittle

whittlep@nf.sympatico.ca
                       
Media Interviews and Representation

Since our Fall Newsletter President Whittle has given numerous media interviews on the issues of Full-day Kindergarten, Power of Play 
initiative, literacy, addictions, mental health, student transportation, early childhood 
development, special services, 
inclusion, literacy, math programs, teacher 
allocations and school safety.

NLFSC continues to be an advocate for publicly funded education. The health of our education system is connected to the health of our whole society. Strong schools help anchor strong communities, and a strong public education 
systems helps to provide all children and 
students with a chance to lead happy successful lives.

Teacher Induction Ceremony

The NLTA’s Fall Ceremony of Induction into the Teaching Profession was held on October 17. 

The event recognizes the completion of 
professional studies by students, in the faculty of Education, at Memorial University. 

NLFSC congratulates these students on their many years of hard work and study and wish them much success as they begin the journey towards their professional life.

NLFSC Executive Meeting

The NLFSC Executive met in St. John’s on 
Saturday October 26. 

Agenda items included: 

•	Changes to NLFSC Constitution

•	Resolutions passed by our 
     membership at last year’s AGM

•	Concerns regarding Electronic Cigarettes (public education and legislation)

•	The need for a province-wide 
     prescription drug monitoring 
     system for patients and doctors

•	Cyber Bullying

•	High price of milk in NL

•	School Council Training

•	2015 General Meeting

The executive also communicates daily by e-mail and phone on issues affecting students and School Councils.

Members of the NLFSC executive also 
communicate with each other through 
Teleconferencing and have participated in 3 
Teleconferences since July.

Membership Renewal and Fees

This year marks the 35th year the 
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils (NLFSC) has been representing local school councils, PTAs, and home and school associations.  
There are many changes and challenges taking place in the school system and NLFSC is busy advocating on your behalf.  

Your continued membership will help support our mission in striving for an excellence in 
education for all children in Newfoundland and Labrador.

(Membership application enclosed for schools that haven’t already renewed).

Are you new to School Council?

Welcome and thank you for becoming involved in your education community in this way. We hope you enjoy your term on school council.

Be sure to locate a copy of the School Council Handbook, or download it at:
www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/publications/k12/Handbook2ndedition.pdf

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the NLFSC office.

School Council Day October 9, 2014

“As we celebrate the second annual School Councils Day, I would like to thank all parents, community volunteers, school staff members and those who dedicate their time to making school councils a success. Today is a day to recognize the vision and dedication of school councils. Today we also take the opportunity to encourage community partners and parents to get involved and learn what their school councils do to 
contribute to a better learning environment for our children. Fostering an inclusive learning 
environment from infancy to high school is the focus of the new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.”

- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

2015 Provincial Election

Kids don't have a powerful voice in 
politics, but public leaders make decisions 
everyday that impact whether or not they will get a fair shot to succeed. As the 2015 provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador 
approaches, NLFSC encourages our membership and parents to tell their political representatives 
that our kids matter!

The time leading up to the election will provide School Councils and parents with an opportunity to challenge the candidates to make education a priority.
YOU are your children's best advocates! 
Engaging our elected officials is just one of many steps voters in NL need to take towards building a better tomorrow for our children and families.
We also need effective education policies – measured by student success – and sufficient funding.

We have many dedicated educators and hard-working students in this province, but they need support. As voters, our children are 
counting on us to make sure education is a top priority for our elected leaders.
 
Lets make our children’s education a 
priority in the upcoming 2015 Provincial 
Election!

NLFSC hopes to provide our membership with the opportunity to speak with representatives from each political party on education issues during a General Meeting on May 2, 2015 at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s

More information regarding our May 2, 2015 General Meeting will be provided in the 
coming months.

Parental Involvement in School

“In this complex world, it takes more than a good school to educate children. And it takes more than a good home. It takes these two 
major educational institutions working 
together.”
Dorothy Rich, author of MegaSkills®

Studies have indicated that children whose 
parents and/or other significant adults share in their formal education tend to do better in school. Some benefits that have been identified that measure parental involvement in education include:
•	Higher grades and test scores
•	Long term academic achievement
•	Positive attitudes and behavior
•	More successful programs
•	More effective schools
All parents want their children to become 
successful, caring adults. Similarly, many 
parents want to be involved with the formal 
education of their children. Sometimes, however, they don't know where to start, when to find the time, or how to go about making positive 
connections with the school. At the most basic level, parents can begin encouraging the 
education of their children by showing that they truly value education themselves.

Cyberbullying

What is Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is threatening, lying about, 
stalking or otherwise harassing a person online or via other electronic communication devices like a cell phone. It is becoming a bigger 
problem as more and more people spend time on the Internet. 

There are a number of behaviors that are 
considered cyberbullying, including:
•	Sending harassing messages
•	Impersonating another person and 
gaining trust
•	Posting someone else’s’ personal 
information
•	Posting false or unsavory information about another person
•	Posting private or doctored pictures about another person
•	Using the Internet to encourage others to bully the victim

Why is Cyberbullying So Serious?

It may seem like cyberbullying is a trivial matter, however this is far from the truth. 

Cyberbullying can be even more dangerous than in-person bullying incidents:

•	It can be more difficult to stop an online bully.
•	Emotional violence can be more 
damaging than physical violence.

•	Cyberbullying can have long term 
     effects as gossip, lies, photos and
     videos stay long after bruises fade.

•	Cyberbullying follows people into the home, which would normally be 
considered a safe haven from this type of activity.

•	It is often very easy to impersonate 
another person online, gain someone’s trust and then turn on them.

Why is Cyberbullying So Difficult to Stop?

•	Traditional bullies might be suspended from school, banned from certain places or activities or even arrested, but 
•	cyberbullies are more elusive.

•	The anonymity of the Internet makes it difficult to be sure who is doing the 
bullying
                         
•	The anonymity of the Internet makes
•	 cyberbullies, especially kids, bolder.

•	Cyberbullying can cross state and even
      International lines, making it nearly 
impossible to prosecute.

•	Cyberbullies may think they can’t be caught or punished.

•	Others may trivialize the damage the 
cyberbully is doing

H.ow to Prevent Your Child from Being 
Victimized

Be your child’s support system. The biggest way to prevent your child from being a victim is to keep the lines of communication open. 

 Continued on page 6

Cyberbullying continued

The means walking a fine line between a 
concerned caregiver and an overprotective 
parent. 
Your child needs to feel that he or she can come to you without negative repercussions. If they are afraid you’ll ban them from the Internet or keep them from going out with friends, they will not confide in you. It also means listening carefully and avoiding the tendency to trivialize what they are experiencing. It may not seem like a big deal to an adult that the most popular kids in school made fun of your child’s hair or clothes, but it can be a serious blow to the self-esteem of a child or teen.
 
Be firm. Set rules regarding when and how long your child can be online. 

Accessing the Internet is like inviting someone into your home, so you may choose to only allow Web time when you’re at home. Use Internet filters, timers, and whatever else you need to do to protect your child.

Know your child. This is very important. 
Kids who are already suffering from low self-esteem or depression are prime targets for cyberbullying. It can be tempting to assume that your child is just going through a phase or that they’re just in a “bad mood,” but you are better off seeking professional help if there is a 
problem, as opposed to simply waiting things out.

Know the danger signs. Your child may 
become more withdrawn or moody. 
They may spend more time online, or may 
completely stop using the computer. They may cut off ties with friends. If your child gives any indication that they are being bullied on or 
offline, take it seriously.

Educate. Teach your child what to do in cases where they feel threatened or bullied. They 
should ignore the offender and contact an adult immediately. 

They should never engage with the person who is threatening them because it often encourages the behaviors to continue. 

If you feel your child is being threatened online by someone, contact the police. You can also use built-in measures on certain websites, such as ignoring or reporting someone else.

What Parents can do to prevent 
Cyberbullying

Make sure your child knows that 
Cyberbullying is wrong

Many kids don’t understand when they write down and disseminate feeling of frustration, jealousy or anger towards others online; it can quickly escalate into problems in the real world. They also tend to think that what happens 
digitally doesn’t count and that digital abuse doesn’t hurt, especially since parents usually 
focus on their kid’s behavior in person.

Parents should educate themselves and their child about the impact of cyberbullying. Stories of cyberbullying in the media should be 
discussed with children. Parents should express feelings of disapproval and reiterate their values and expectations for their child’s behavior.

Take an interest in your child’s online 
behavior.

Kids often think their parents don’t know or care about their online lives. Make sure your child knows how you expect them to behave towards other people online. Ask what kinds of online problems typically occur and how they think 
social networking may affect relationships 
between them and their friends.

Teaching Digital Citizenship in NL is part of the Safe and Caring Schools Policy. 

Truancy/Absenteeism

NLFSC has been hearing concerns from 
Parents, Teachers, Administrators, Social 
Workers and School Councils regarding kids cutting classes and/or not attending school.

Children and youth who do not attend school regularly are often taking the first step toward a lifetime of problems. 

The average age of truant students is 15 years, but some children begin skipping school as young as young as age10. Boys and girls are equally likely to be truant.
Truancy isn’t a trivial problem. 

Most experts believe that truancy is one of 
several powerful predictors of later 
involvement in crime and violence. 

Statistics Canada’s ongoing National 
Longitudinal Study of Children & Youth (NLSCY) reports that truancy is one of several “negative school behaviors” associated with general delinquency among youth aged 12 to 15.  
The same ongoing study also reported survey results showing that “liking school” and “being involved at school” protects young people from displaying aggressive behavior, while those who are “not very involved at school” and “don’t like school much” were at greater risk for 
aggressive behavior.  

Similar international research has found that truancy can predict serious antisocial behavior, especially among boys. 
Habitual truants are more likely to engage in 
antisocial behaviors such as gang membership, substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, smoking, suicidal behavior, theft and vandalism. Truant girls are more likely to become pregnant and drop out of school.

What is the attendance rate in your school?

National Day of Remembrance and Action on 
Violence Against Women

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and 
Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. 

Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, the 
day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14
young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.
This act of gender-based violence shocked the nation, 

December 6 provides an opportunity for 
Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of 
violence against women in our society, and 
consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

International Human Rights Day
December 10

The global observance for the 1948 signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights takes place on Dec. 10th. For more information visit the United Nations website at www.unac.org

Congratulations

NLTA President James Dinn

On behalf of the Executive and membership of the NL Federation of School Councils, sincerest congratulations to Mr. Jim Dinn who was 
recently acclaimed as President of the 
Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ 
Association. 

The NLTA plays a vital role in the health and well being of our schools, the teachers who work in them and the children they serve.

NLFSC applauds Mr. Dinn’s visionary 
leadership and his commitment to 
improving the public education system in 
Newfoundland and Labrador.

NLFSC values our relationship with the NLTA and looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Dinn on shared education concerns.

Mr. Dinn, who is on leave from his job at Holy Heart High School in St. John’s, is partway through his first two-year term as the NLTA President. 

His second term will begin on August 1, 2015.

Website

NLFSC has a new website. Please visit us at:

http://www.schoolcouncilsnl.ca/

NLFSC Facebook Page

NLFSC is always looking for ways to engage with School Councils and keep them updated on issues and changes in the education system. Your input and feedback is important to us.

Please check-out and like our Facebook Page at:

http://www.facebook.com/NLFederationOfSchoolCouncils

Many Thanks to the NLTA for printing this edition of The Cuffer!

  

                       
           Parents, Educators, Community Members, Students and 
Administrators                                                                
                              
                      Mark your calendars to attend

        The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils
                       General Meeting

                  Saturday May 2, 2015
                           @
                 The Holiday Inn, St. John’s

•	An opportunity to examine and exchange information
for effective education and healthy students.

•	Interact with other experienced education stakeholders!

•	Set the direction for NLFSC! 

•	Elect a NLFSC President and 2nd Vice- President

•	Establish education priorities for 2015 Provincial Election  

          All School Council Members Welcome! 

Teacher Staff Appreciation Week

Teacher Staff Appreciation Week (TSAW) in 
Newfoundland and Labrador will be held from February 8 to 15, 2015.

National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week was founded in 1988 by the Canadian Home and School Federation. The week provides parents, grandparents, care givers and others, concerned with children and their education, an opportunity to join in nation-wide celebrations of support for Canada's schools and their teachers and other staff members.  

Our educators and school staff lend their passion and skills to educating our children. The 
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils encourages parents, and the community at large, to acknowledge teachers and staff for their contributions to the education system.

Here are a few ideas and suggestions to assist with the celebration of this special week: 

Monday - Hang a “We Love Our 
Teachers/Staff” banner on the front of the school. Place a red apple with a note from the Home and School Association/School Council in each mailbox or on each desk. 
(Don’t forget the bus drivers and custodians). Make a daily draw for a donated prize. 

Tuesday - Hang a collage made of photos of teachers/staff and students at work and play and decorate the halls with balloons and paper apples on which the students have written stories, 
poems or drawn pictures. Serve coffee and treats in the staff room. - Daily draw. 

Wednesday - Place flowers in staff room. Serve a buffet lunch. Be sure to arrange for supervision so all teachers and staff can attend. - Daily draw. 

Thursday - Have cheese platters and a fruit basket in the staff room. Give each staff member a bag filled with pens, notepaper, etc.- Daily draw. 

Friday - Hold a Teacher/Staff Appreciation Tea and invite parents and the community. - Daily draw or draws depending on the number of prizes that have been donated by local 
businesses. - Raffle grand prize winner draw.

Every school has dedicated Teachers and other school staff members such as Secretaries, Teacher Assistants, Nurses, Bus Drivers and Custodians.
TSAW lets them know that they are appreciated; that we want to work with them and that we are on the same team.

School Council of the Year Award

NLFSC is currently accepting nominations for the 2014-15 School Council Person of the Year Award

Purpose
The purpose of the Award is to publicly 
recognize significant and outstanding 
achievements of School Council 
Members. 

Candidates 
Candidates for the award may be any school council member (i.e. parents, teachers, students, community reps, principals). Candidates who contribute by actions and efforts to the 
development of a positive learning environment may be nominated by their colleagues, students, or parents. 

Criteria 
Performance of volunteer duties at a high level at all times. 
A significant school and/or system-related achievement. 
A specific innovation or achievement of 
significant value or importance to the school community, or a unique circumstance considered worthy of recognition by the NLFSC Board.
A member of a School Council in good standing with the NLFSC. 

Nomination Procedure
Nominations will be submitted on the Award nomination form by:
Individual School Council members,
Students, Parents, or School Council as a 
whole. 

Nominations must include:
The name of the candidate(s) and School 
Council location.
Names of at least two nominators and their 
positions; or the School Council chair on behalf of the entire School Council.

Signature of the administrator or School Council Chair along with a short rationale for the 
nomination.

The provision of supporting documentation 
(letters of support, etc.) is important because it provides background information for members of the selection committee. 

Nomination forms must be submitted to the NLFSC Office by March 1, 2015

(Nomination form enclosed)

“Students who are loved at home, come to school to learn and 
students who aren’t, come to be loved.”

-Nicholas A. Ferroni

Christmas Greetings from the NLFSC 
Executive

Christmas… that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance -- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

The NLFSC Executive would like to take this opportunity to 
extend good tidings to you and your family as we 
celebrate this season of giving. Also, please pass 
along our warm wishes to your school communities 
for successful holiday fundraisers, community giving events, and 
musical celebrations for which I’m sure many of you
are busy preparing.

On behalf of myself (Denise Pike) and the NLFSC Executive:

Peter Whittle (President)
Terry Green (1stVice-President)
Paulette Fifield (2nd Vice-President) 
Ruby Hoskins (Past President) and 
Michele Peach (Treasurer); 
may you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year

The Cuffer is a benefit of membership in the 
Newfoundland and Labrador 
Federation of School Councils. 
Annual membership dues are based on school enrolment. Individual subscriptions are available at $15 per year. 

The views expressed or implied in this 
publication are not necessarily official positions of the Federation.  
The mention of any program, organization, 
resource, product, person, place, or school does not constitute an endorsement by NLFSC.                         

Editor: Denise Pike

NLFSC Contact Information

P.O Box 23140
St. John’s NL A1B 4J9

Tel: (709) 229-2094
Toll Free: 1-877-739-4830

Email: nlfsci@gmail.com