A newspaper for School Councils in Newfoundland and Labrador                      
                     
                    September/October 2014     

•	

Message from the President

Mr. Peter Whittle

Time has become one of our most precious commodities. We all live hectic and fast paced lives. The stress of our ordinary routines, work, getting the kids to school, helping them with homework, not to mention all of the 
extracurricular activities leaves very little time for volunteering with a school council.

As a father of three school-aged boys and the husband of a teacher, I know only too well that we have to make choices about how to best
allocate our time and volunteer activities. 

School Councils make good things happen. Nothing beats the rewarding feeling of seeing projects from their initiation to completion and the impact it has on the children. School Councils provide great information sharing around issues in education like curriculum, staffing,
operations and policies. 

School Councils assist in fundraising ensuring every child in every school has every 
opportunity possible from better libraries to field trips.

This year in particular, school councils through the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils will be in a position to 
contribute to community issues and have a role in advocating for changes in public education.  This year, the federation, through our school councils will be able to influence the government and opposition parties on issues related to 
education as they develop platforms for the 2015 provincial election.

Our executive and our executive Director are available to assist and work with your council. We are just a e-mail or a phone call away.

My personal goal as president for this school year is to work towards increasing our membership at the primary, elementary, junior and senior high level to ensure every school has a 
functioning School Council and a provincial voice on the educational issues that matter at the local and provincial levels.

Joining a School Council is a fantastic way to get tapped into the school community. Being an 
active member opens the door to countless 
opportunities and enrichment for our children. 

                     Continued on page 2

President’s message continued

The Federation of School Council is always hoping that more parents will share their ideas and their time to keep our great programs and commitments alive.
I hope that you will consider the benefits of 
becoming a member of a school council when your school calls.

Your partner in Education
Peter Whittle

whittlep@nf.sympatico.ca

Media Interviews

Over the past few months President Whittle has been quite busy representing the goals of the NLFSC and advocating for our students. 
Peter was interviewed by the media
on a number of education issues including: Class Size, Full Day- Kindergarten, Back to School Tips, Parental involvement in Education and Mental Health and Addictions among youth.

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 excellence in 
Education, for all children in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to represent your school council as 

part of the collective voice for school councils and for all parents/guardians.
(Membership application enclosed)

Meeting with Minister

On July 23, 2014 NLFSC met with Darrin King, Education Minister; Janet-Vivian Walsh, Deputy Minister of Education; and Derrick Reid, Executive Assistant to the Minister.

The executive took the opportunity to talk about the resolutions passed at the 2014 AGM regarding the need for more financial support for School Councils; Student Transportation; Assessment and Evaluation Policy and Mental health and Addictions.

The discussion also included the Safe and Caring School Policy, Math and Science results, Teacher and Guidance Allocations) and the impact of cuts to Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug Campaigns in schools.

On August 27th President Peter Whittle met with Minister King and other Department of Education officials regarding the announcement of Full-Day Kindergarten scheduled to be available province-wide in 2016.
Class size and adequate infrastructure were among the concerns expressed by President Whittle. 

NLFSC has requested a follow-up meeting with the Minister 

Did you know?
In Finland, Italy and Japan, teachers are more respected by the entire culture, and as a result, kids perform better in school

Are you new to school council?

Welcome and thank you for getting 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 at (709) 229-2094 or by e-mailing us @ nlfsci@gmail.com

What is a School Council?

A school council is a legally constituted body consisting of the principal, parents, teachers, community representatives and students (where applicable) from the local school community who, while representing the interests of all 
students, work together for the purpose of 
enhancing the quality of teaching and learning and improving the levels of student achievement in their school.  

A school council is a means to facilitate 
communication and cooperation among the 
principal, parents, teachers, community 
representatives and students (in schools with high school grades). It is also a means to 
communicate, through the proper channels, to the board matters of concern to the school 
community. 

The principal is responsible for the direct
management of the school and, therefore, has responsibility for the development and
implementation of school-based policies. School councils act in an advisory capacity whereby they advise on how to implement such policies. Councils also advise on how to increase student achievement levels and are responsible for 
advising the board on matters of concern to the school community. 

This advisory role provides school councils and the school community the opportunity to 
improve the teaching and learning environment of the school. 

Membership   

School councils are comprised of the principal and representation from parents, teachers, high school students (where applicable) and the community. Representatives are elected or 
appointed in accordance with Section 25 of the Schools Act, 1997 (see Appendix A). 

School councils shall, as outlined in the Schools Act, 1997 Section 25(2), consist of no fewer than 8 members and no more than 15 members. Members are elected/appointed such that:
(A)	no fewer than 2 and no more than 4 shall be teachers elected by teachers from among the teachers of the school
(B)	no fewer than 3 and no more than 6 shall be parents elected by parents from among parents of students in the school; and,
(C)	 no fewer than 2 and no more than 4 shall be representatives of the community
(D)	 appointed by the school council members elected under paragraphs (A) and (B).
The principal of a school shall be a member of the school council by virtue of his/her position.
In a school where senior high courses are taught, at least one student who is elected by students in those courses shall be a member of the school council. 
For continuity purposes it is recommended that at least 2 high school students become members of the council, one of whom is a Level 1 or 2 student.

Functioning Role of a School Council

School councils provide a formal structure through which all partners can come together to discuss the education of the children with the primary goal of enhancing the quality of 
teaching and learning, resulting in improved student achievement.

As stipulated in the Schools Act, 1997 Section 26(2), the functions of a school council are to:
represent the educational interests of the school; 
advise on the quality of teaching and learning in the school; 
facilitate parent and community involvement in teaching and learning in the school; and, 
advise the board on matters of concern to the school and the community. 

School councils and council members represent the educational interests of all students 
collectively. 

Council members also represent the views of their respective groups in that parent 
representatives speak for the parents of children in the school, teacher representatives speak for the teachers of the school, student 
representatives speak for the students of the school, and community representatives speak for the community. 

In order to effectively represent a group, council members should regularly seek feedback from their respective groups on the teaching and learning environment of the school and issues which impact this environment. 

It is the responsibility of council 
members to bring these issues forward on behalf of their groups and to 
communicate any decisions/actions back to the groups they represent.

             School Bus
   Pre-stop Amber Warning Lamps 

•	The NL Bus Regulations have been amended to allow the use of exterior amber warning lights on school buses in addition to existing red lights. 

•	Amber lights will provide an advanced warning to motorists when a bus is about to stop. Red lights will continue to mean that motorists travelling in both directions must stop to ensure students can safely enter or exit a school bus. 

•	These amendments to the bus regulations are effective today. 

•	Transport Canada has conducted research which shows that use of the flashing amber light system has been effective in reducing the speed of oncoming vehicles.
 
•	Many school buses are already manufactured with alternating red and amber flashing light systems. Using both systems is allowed in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, British Columbia and Nunavut.

Strategies to building a positive
relationship with your child's 
teacher.

Always approach this relationship with 
respect. Treat the teacher-parent-child 
relationship the way you would any important person in your life. Create a problem-solving partnership, instead of confronting a teacher immediately with what's wrong, request to meet with the teacher to brainstorm and collaborate ways to help your child. Don’t deliver a lecture.
 
Let your child develop his own relationship with the teacher. 
This is one of the first relationships with an adult your child may have outside the family unit. If you take a back seat and let the relationship 
develop without much interference, a special bond may develop.
For young children, the teacher-child 
relationship is a usually a love relationship, in fact it may be their first love relationship after their parents and can be both powerful and 
wonderful.

Try not to brag. Of course everyone thinks their child is brilliant, but bragging over his/her many accomplishments may send a message to the teacher that you think he may not be good enough to teach your child. You don't need to sell your child to the teacher, instead you have to trust that your teacher will come to know what's important herself.

Remember how you liked (or disliked) your teachers. Your experience at school is likely to affect your attitude toward your child's teacher. It's important to leave your own baggage at the door, so you can talk about your child with the teacher (and not about you).

Read the school memos, rules and schedules so you know what’s happening and what’s expected of your child and of you. 

Try to keep school information in one place, so it doesn’t get lost. This information should help you answer your child’s questions about homework and school policies. This is the single most important thing you can do to foster a positive relationship with the school.

Talk to your child about what they are 
learning at school.

Research shows children are more likely to 
succeed in school if parents or caregivers take an active part in their education. Most parents want to get more involved in their child’s education, but may not be sure how to begin. A great 
starting point is sharing a positive attitude about school with your child.

Help your child get organized to do homework and make rules about homework. 

Decide with your child on a good time to do homework and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Try to keep noise down during study times. Create a study area or corner for homework. You can start this as early as Kindergarten, and it becomes more important as homework is assigned.
Remember, you don’t have to know how to do the homework to help your child succeed in school.

2013-14 School Council Person of the Year

Past President Nathan Whalen presents Terry-Lee Roberts of Dorset Collegiate, Pilley’s Island with the 2014 School Council Person of the Year award. The presentation took place April , 2014 during the NLFSC AGM in GrandFalls-Windsor

Terry-Lee (Dorset Collegiate School Council Parents Representative) is a “backbone” for 
almost every event that takes place at the grade 7-12 school (with 188 students and 25 staff/support staff). She is a caring, thoughtful person who works very hard as a positive and 
dedicated, student-centered Student 
Assistant.

Terry-Lee was the lead staff/support staff 
member for the 2013-2014 Graduation 
Committee of Dorset Collegiate. She is a main leader of a very successful Kids East Smart breakfast program and is usually the person who picks up almost all of the breakfast supplies. 

Terry-Lee is involved in almost every varsity sporting event at Dorset Collegiate. She was a vital member of the organizing committee for the School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador 
Provincial Table Tennis Championship, hosted at her school last February. 

Terry-Lee also serves as the employee co-chair of the Dorset Collegiate Occupational Heath and Safety committee, and is also an active member on Dorset Collegiates Safe and Caring Schools committee. 
She served on the Education Week Committee, last fall, where she helped lead a great Education Week of spirited activities. 

“Terry-Lee is a number 1 School Council 
member, who has a very active, “positive” voice, and who also serves as our School Council 
Secretary.,” says Mark Warren, Principal of Dorset Collegiate. “She is even leading a School- based committee right now that is fundraising to help beautify our school grounds. Terry-Lee is indeed one in a million,” I absolutely do not know how we as a School Council, and as a school, could do without her.”

Terry-Lee works hours and hours beyond her work day in the interest of the students, staff/support staff of Dorset. Over the years she has cooked up many complimentary meals for students as well as staff. 
During the 2012-13 school year she initiated a Family Christmas Get Together where all the staff, support staff and their families met for a turkey supper, presented gifts to the children (given out by Santa Claus) and shared in some music and fellowship. Terry-Lee always cooks the turkey for the event that has become an 
annual event at the school.

In the spirit of true volunteerism, Terry-Lee 
consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty in volunteering her time and effort for her school.
She works unselfishly each and every day and never looks for recognition. Terry-lee is very positive and goal oriented and has earned the 
respect of the Dorset Collegiate School Council, her school community as well as the membership of the Newfoundland and Labrador federation of School Councils.

Terry-Lee was nominated for the NLFSC School Council Person of the Year Award by Mark Warren (Dorset Principal;); Nathan Hynes, (Teacher Representative); Shawna Wiseman (Student Representative); Alison Wiseman, (Parent Representative) and BJ Osmond 
(Community Representative).

School Council Person of the
Year Award Information 

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 from member school councils (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, or in the case of either/both being a 
nominee, an equivalent and 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 forms will be sent out early in the new year, or can be obtained by e-mailing 
nlfsci@gmail.com

Canada’s Outstanding Principals

Do you have an outstanding Principal at your school?
If so show your appreciation to your principal for all their hard work by nominating them for 
Canada’s Outstanding Principal Award.
This award recognizes the unique and crucial 
contribution of Principals in publicly funded schools. 
But hurry! The nomination deadline is Nov. 3, 2014.
Visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca for more information

“After our parents, it is to our teacher that we owe the most” 

Luc Guyau

Does your school have a Kids Eat Smart Club!
The Kids Eat Smart Foundation currently 
operates KES Clubs in over 85 per cent of our province’s schools. Their mission is to provide school aged children, in our province, with 
nutritious food so they are well nourished and ready to learn.   

If your school does not have a KES Club and you would like to start one, please contact them at 1-877-722-1996, 722-1996 or cstoyles@kidseatsmart.ca. They would be happy to speak to you about starting a KES Club in your school.  

Education Week

OCTOBER 5-11, 2014 

Education Week, hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teacher’s Association, has always been about celebrating education and the 
importance of learning

Opening Ceremonies, for this year’s event, will be held at Carbonear Academy

The theme, “I Remember! I Learn! Je me 
souviens! J'apprends!” shows the importance of remembering and learning - past and present. This year Education Week coincides with the 100th anniversary of World War I, as well as Fire Prevention Week, World Teachers' Day, and Kids Eat Smart Week.

Happy Thanksgiving

Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

 — William Arthur Ward 

Thank you and Best wishes

This past July Nathan Whalen resigned
his position as NLFSC President due to the 
demands of a new role within the financial 
services sector.

During the 2013-14 school year Nathan was a strong and vocal advocate for School Council issues. He worked diligently towards 
improving the education system in NL with a focus on guidance services, inclusive education and parental involvement at the primary, 
elementary and secondary levels.

Nathan's current career opportunities have taken him to Toronto. We wish him the best of success and look forward to him returning to the 
province. We expect to see many great things from this bright young man, in the future.

The NLFSC Executive continues to follow up on these resolutions passed at our 2013-14 Annual 
General Meeting

Resolutions

1. School Council Operations

Whereas School Councils feel more supports are required to assist them to fulfill their role and to support their respective school development plans;

Be it therefore resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils supports the provision of workshops for parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and students involved in School Councils and home and school associations.

2. RCMP Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug Programs

Whereas new information from efforts to 
advocate for RCMP drug awareness and anti-bullying programs has arisen;

Be it resolved that the Newfoundland and 
Labrador Federation of School Councils 
campaign government and the RCMP to have financial resources to the RCMP reinstated.

3. Student Transportation

Whereas student safety is of paramount 
importance to parents, teachers, and school communities;

Whereas school bus drivers should be properly trained to respond in emergency situations;

Be it resolved that the Newfoundland and 
Labrador Federation of School Councils 
commend the Department of Education on working to include first aid, epinephrine 
administration training, and other training that will ensure the safety of children in the new 
contract template with independent school bus operators.

Be it further resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils 
commend the Department of Education on 
following through on providing first aid training so that school bus drivers have safety, first aid, and EpiPen training before they drive a school bus with children on board for board owned buses.

4. Student Transportation

Whereas student safety is of paramount 
importance to parents, teachers, and school communities;

Be it resolved that the Newfoundland and 
Labrador Federation of School Councils commend the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the implementation of the CSA D250-07 School Bus Safety Standards that 
provide for a maximum age of school buses in operation

5. Healthy Living

Whereas a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows more people in Canada, and particularly NL, are 
becoming obese;

Whereas this same study reports that 
approximately 71 per cent of people in NL will be considered obese or overweight by 2019;

Whereas our children and families must learn how to lead healthy lives and school 
communities have a strong role to play in 
fostering healthy living practices and combatting the global obesity epidemic;

                      Continued on Page 10

Be it therefore resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils renew its commitment to healthy living by working with School Districts, the Department of Education, and community organizations to support healthy living in schools;

Be it further resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils work with partner organizations to provide resources and supports for School Councils and parents to assist families in living healthy lifestyles;

Be it further resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils commend the School Boards and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its work on Healthy Living and reiterate the importance of resolutions 13.1, and 13.2. 

6. School Infrastructure

Whereas students require well-designed and well-maintained schools in order to learn in a safe and healthy school climate;

Be it therefore resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils commend the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its commitment to school 
maintenance and infrastructure spending.

Be it further resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils 
recommend that the Department of Education and School Districts work closely with School Councils in the concept, design, and development of all new school construction and 
renovation projects to ensure adequate feedback is sought from the school community. 

7. School Fees

Whereas School Councils are pleased with the amount of necessary curriculum and material resources available to schools;

Be it therefore resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils commend the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the elimination of school fees for students in grades K-12 and for providing 
textbooks for students in grades K-12.

8. Guidance Allocation

Whereas modern schools are confronted with diverse and intense demands by students of a personal nature, which include career planning; comprehensive student assessments; scholarship and post secondary application procedures and information; drug and alcohol awareness; 
personal counselling;anti-bullying programs; and mediation;

Whereas the Guidance Counsellor is often the professional educator charged with these
responsibilities;

Whereas the current Guidance Counsellor 
allocation of one per 500 students does not meet the needs of students and is particularly 
challenging in rural schools;

Be it resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils urges the Department of Education to implement a change in the allocation formula for Guidance 
Counsellors to one per 333 students for Kindergarten to Level III as per Recommendation #20 from the final report of the 2007 Teacher 
Allocation Commission.

9A. Administrative Allocation

Whereas the amalgamation of four English School Districts into one has downloaded an increased administrative burden on Principals and Assistant Principals;

Whereas Budget 2013 reduced administrative allocations for schools;

                     Continued on Page 11

Whereas Principals and Assistant Principals play a vital role in teaching and learning and are the instructional leaders in the school;

Be it therefore resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils reiterate to lobby Government to ensure cuts to administrative allocations be reconsidered and reinstated

9B. Educational Allocation

Whereas Budget 2013 reduced the number of teaching units available to support schools and student achievement;

Be it therefore resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils reiterate to lobby Government to Increase the amount of teaching units provided for the Needs Based Resource Allocations – such as Regular Teachers, IRT’s, Student Assistants, etc. – as 
requested by the district, for individual schools needs.  

Be it therefore further resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils reiterate to lobby Government to reinstate teaching units that were cut in Budget 2013.

10. School Board Governance - Introduce New Resolution

Whereas research on school board effectiveness shows that Trustees are a crucial piece in 
supporting student achievement if they are able to adequately hear and respond to the concerns of parents and the school community;

Whereas the current system of 15 appointed trustees for the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District does not appropriately meet this objective;

Be it resolved that the Newfoundland and 
Labrador Federation of School Councils 
recommends that school district governance should be derived from already elected School Councils in place of the existing appointed Board of Trustees;

Be it further resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils urge the Department of Education that a change in legislation occur to this effect before any further school closure consultations or major policy 
decisions occur where the spirit of Schools Act, 1997 indicates accountability for parents and school communities in education. 

11. Assessment and Evaluation Policy

Whereas parents, former students and current students are concerned with the effects of the “No-Zero Policy” in relation to preparedness for post-secondary;

Be it resolved that the Newfoundland and 
Labrador Federation of School Councils petition the Minister of Education to gather qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine whether the implementation of the Assessment and 
Evaluation Policy is having a measurable 
positive effect on student aptitude (e.g., work 
habits, citizenship, and preparation for post- secondary study) and student achievement.

12. Safe and Caring Schools Teaching and Learning Resources

Whereas most, if not all, schools face issues of social justice, bullying, and acceptance;

Whereas there are currently some awareness raising programs in existence around these 
issues; however, more programs are needed for the varying age groups and learning levels for our children to deal with the increasing number of children feeling unsafe in the school 
environment.

                        Continued on Page 12
Therefore, be it resolved that the Department of Education and the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District work together to develop more teaching and learning resources to assist in educating children about social justice, 
anti-bullying, and respecting each other and the importance of acceptance of each and everyone.

13. Funding for Technology Maintenance in Schools

Whereas all schools are expected to provide and utilize the latest in technology including smart boards/team boards, Wi-Fi, iPads, and 
associated devices and subscriptions;

Whereas we want our children to be able to avail of the latest learning technologies and devices, both to assist in learning and to be able to utilize the technology productively;

Whereas all technologies, services, and 
subscriptions require financial resources to maintain, repair, and replace as needed and there is currently no financial resources 
provided in the budgets to the school boards for these resources, and therefore no financial 
resources allocated to individual schools;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils request that the Minister of Education make a provision in the budgeting process for our schools to have the necessary additional budget allocation to properly maintain the current technology devices, services, and subscriptions to ensure our children are able to take advantage of these learning devices now and in the future.

14. Educational Psychologist Allocation

Whereas modern schools are confronted with diverse and intense demands by students of a personal nature, which include comprehensive student assessments; drug and alcohol 
awareness; personal counselling; anti-bullying 

programs; and mediation;
Whereas the Guidance Counsellor is often the professional educator charged with these 
responsibilities;

Whereas comprehensive student assessments take upwards of 20 hours each to complete and is a significant burden on schools;

Whereas the current Guidance Counsellor 
allocation of one per 500 students does not meet the needs of students and is particularly 
challenging in rural schools;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils urge the Department of Education to increase the supportive resources such as educational psychologists, counselors, and other support staff necessary to augment the intervention and assistance necessary to address the needs of students from Kindergarten to Level III.

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.                         

NLFSC Contact Information

P.O Box 23140
St. John’s NL A1B 4J9

Tel: (709) 834-7300: Fax (709) 834-7301
Toll Free: 1-877-739-4830

Email:nlfsci@gmail.com