ST. JOHN’S, NL — September 9, 2026 — The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils extends its warmest wishes to students, parents, guardians, teachers, school staff and administrators as a new school year begins across the province.
The start of a new school year is a time of new beginnings, new opportunities and new possibilities. For students, it is a chance to set new goals, make new friends, explore new interests and continue their journey of learning and personal growth.
For parents and guardians, it is also an opportunity to become active partners in their children’s education and in their school communities.
“On behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils, I want to wish every student, parent, guardian, teacher and school staff member a safe, happy and successful school year,” said Don Coombs, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils. “A new school year is a fresh start. It is an opportunity for all of us to work together to create positive experiences and better opportunities for our children.”
School councils are an important part of our education system. They bring parents, educators, students and community members together to share ideas, address concerns and work collaboratively in support of students and their schools.
The Federation strongly encourages parents and guardians to become involved in their local school council.
“Your voice matters,” said Coombs. “You don’t have to be an education expert to make a difference. Parents bring valuable experiences, ideas and perspectives to the table. By becoming involved with your school council, you have an opportunity to contribute to your school community and help make a positive difference for students.”
Parents can contribute in many ways — becoming a member of the school council, volunteering at school activities, sharing ideas, supporting school initiatives or simply taking an interest in what is happening in their child’s school.
The Federation also encourages parents and guardians to be positive supporters of education at home and to help children develop a positive attitude toward school and learning.
“Children take their cues from the adults around them,” said Coombs. “When we speak positively about school, encourage our children to ask questions, celebrate their efforts and show an interest in what they are learning, we help build confidence, resilience and a positive attitude toward education.”
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about their school day, celebrate progress rather than focusing only on grades, encourage reading and curiosity, and remind children that challenges and mistakes are a natural and important part of learning.
The Federation is also asking parents and guardians to have conversations with their children about bullying, respectful behaviour and the importance of reporting concerns.
“Parents should talk to their children about bullying before a problem occurs,” said Coombs. “Children need to know what bullying looks like, that they should never participate in it, and that they should tell a trusted adult when they see or experience it.”
Parents are encouraged to teach children to:
- Never participate in bullying, whether in person or online;
- Not encourage bullying by laughing, joining in, sharing or forwarding hurtful content;
- Support other students when it is safe to do so;
- Report bullying or harassment to a trusted adult, teacher, school staff member or parent;
- Tell an adult when they witness someone else being bullied; and
- Seek help rather than trying to deal with serious situations on their own.
“Reporting bullying is not tattling,” said Coombs. “Reporting is one of the ways we protect one another and help make our schools safer.”
The Federation encourages students who witness bullying to speak with a trusted adult and reminds them that they should never put themselves in danger by confronting someone who is being aggressive.
The Federation also has a message for parents and guardians about how concerns involving schools and educators are addressed — particularly on social media.
“Parents absolutely have the right to ask questions, raise concerns and advocate for their children,” said Coombs. “But bashing teachers, school staff or schools online — particularly in Facebook groups or other social media forums — is not a constructive way to resolve concerns.”
Public criticism, personal attacks and online discussions that identify or target individual teachers can damage relationships, escalate conflict and make it more difficult to find solutions.
The Federation encourages parents who have concerns to speak directly with their child’s teacher, principal or school administration and to use established processes to resolve issues.
“We may not always agree with a teacher or a school decision, and parents should feel comfortable expressing those concerns,” said Coombs. “But we need to do it respectfully. Our children are watching how we handle disagreements, and we should model the behaviour we expect from them.”
Teachers, administrators and school staff play an essential role in supporting children and creating positive learning environments.
“Our educators and school staff work hard every day for our children,” said Coombs. “They deserve our respect and support, just as parents deserve to have their concerns heard. The strongest school communities are built when families and educators communicate openly, listen to one another and work together.”
The Federation encourages parents to stay connected with their schools, participate in school councils and approach challenges with a spirit of cooperation and problem-solving.
The Federation believes that a successful school year depends on everyone doing their part.
Students, parents, educators, school staff and communities all contribute to creating schools where children feel welcome, supported, respected and encouraged to succeed.
“To our students, we say: believe in yourself, try new things, ask questions, treat others with kindness and respect, and never be afraid to ask for help,” said Coombs. “To parents and guardians: get involved, support your school, talk to your children about bullying, encourage them to report concerns, and be positive about learning. And to our teachers and school staff: thank you for the important work you do each and every day.”
As the 2026-27 school year begins, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils calls on all members of our school communities to make partnership, positivity, respect, safety and student success a priority.
Together, we can make this a year of learning, growth, collaboration and success for every student in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Media Contact:
Don Coombs
President
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils
1-709-589-5995