PARENT COUNCIL / HOME AND SCHOOL (GECPIC) - Parent Involvement Committee

The Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations (OFHSA) is a province-wide parent group, advocating for students in public education.  Our members believe that parents are willing and active partners with those responsible for administering programs, delivering services, and making decisions which affect children and youth.  A not-for-profit organization, OFHSA is made up of volunteers who give their time and efforts to support thousands of students who attend public education facilities in Ontario.

Locally, our governing body (the Windsor Council of Home and School Associations) monitors the Board meetings and is a member of SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee).  Provincially, we advocate to the Minister and Ministry of Education for the benefit of all children in Ontario.  We have been vocal about the following issues: class sizes, prevention of cigarette advertisement aimed at teenagers, promoting the use of bike helmets, stronger punishment for child molesters, health issues and educational issues.  Federally, we advocate for the health and welfare of children and youth across Canada, and recently have been involved in the discussions concerning the youth justice system.

At Kennedy Collegiate Institute, our School Council and Home & School members are the same parents, and hold joint meetings.  The Home & School Association gives parents the opportunity to independently represent their concerns to our local Trustees and the Provincial Minister and Ministry of Education.  We also independently control our own finances and parent membership provides liability insurance for our members.  If you are a Home & School member ($15.00) at the elementary level, you are entitled to be an associate member at the secondary level for no additional cost.

You will not be asked to do a lot of volunteering (as is done at the elementary level).  We are involved in assisting with the Grade 9 BBQ, we have an information table at Parent-Teacher Interviews and Grade 8 Open House, we host Teacher/Staff Appreciation for one week in February (with treats for our staff), and our only fundraiser is selling refreshments during the Student Fashion Show in the spring.  We use the proceeds to sponsor two $150 bursaries each year to graduating students.

The following is a list of the meetings for the 2012/2013 school year.

ON MONDAYS: September 17, 2012 (This will be the first meeting back in September to start the new year.  Again, all parents are welcome and it would be great to see new faces!)

Meetings will start at 6:30 pm in room 123 (West Staff Room).

We urge all parents to get involved in their children's education.  It is a great way to stay informed about what your teenagers are doing, and a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with other parents, teachers, and school staff.

For more information, contact www.ofhsa.on.ca