Home & School
What is Home & School?
According to our Constitution and the by-laws of the Dorset
Home & School Association, Home & School is a group of
parents, school staff and friends of the community forming a
body of volunteers “acting as an independent, volunteer, not for
profit organization dedicated to enhancing the education and
general well-being of children by bringing into closer
relationship the home, the school and the community”.
Can anyone join?
Yes! We welcome new members and new ideas. As per our
Constitution and by-laws “any parent or guardian of a child
attending Dorset School, any adult in the community served by
Dorset School interested in the purpose of the Association, the
Principal and any teacher of Dorset School may become a member.”
Do I have to be member to go to the monthly meetings?
No! All are welcome to attend the meetings. The date and time
are posted on the monthly calendar in the Dor’ to Door.
However, if you wish to become a member we would be more than
happy to share the benefits of membership with you, one of which
is Voting rights.
Do I have to go to the monthly meetings if I am a member?
No! As a member you do not have to attend the monthly meetings.
If you wish to keep up to date, the minutes of our meetings can
be sent to anyone in the Dorset community upon request!
Can I participate in the discussions?
Yes! All opinions and experiences are encouraged. Participation
enables Home & School to provide and support the best
enhancements to the education and well being of the children of
Dorset School. Although you can participate in the discussion,
it is only the members who can vote on resolutions.
Can I bring a topic of discussion to the meeting?
Absolutely! The only way that we can act on an opportunity or a
problem is by knowing about it! We need your input and
suggestions. At each meeting there is time allotted for Parental
Concerns or you may contact the H&S President to bring a
specific item to the agenda.
Can I ask questions about practices that affect my child’s
education and welfare?
Of course! The Constitution states that Home and School is here
to:
1. Promote the involvement of parents, students and
educators to secure for every child the highest level of
learning and advancement.
2. To act as the voice for all member parents.
3. To make parents aware of current educational
practices and major issues which affect education.
4. To nominate, appoint or recommend the appointment
of representatives to appropriate councils, boards, committees
and other educational bodies.
5. To act as a fundraising body to enhance the
educational experience.
Do I have to volunteer for Home & School activities?
Some individuals’ talents are in organization and active
involvement whereas others are in the behind the scene support
and preparation. You can offer whatever time, interest and
resource that is best suited for you and your family. Home &
School appreciates any volunteer effort that helps us to achieve
the team goal of enhancing our children’s education and school
experience.
Did you know that Home & School is part of a larger parent body?
Yes, each individual school is represented at the Provincial
level with the Quebec Federation of Home & School Associations (QFHSA).
To stay in good standing we should have a membership of at least
10% of the school population. The provincial membership links
Home & School with The Canadian Home and School Federation,
making Home & School a partner in the largest parent volunteer
organization in Canada.
Did you know that Home & School has its own bank account?
Yes, any money raised through Home & School stays within Home &
School. Before any spending, the members can vote on where the
money is to be spent.
Your individual membership affiliates you with both the Quebec
Federation of Home & School Associations (QFHSA) and the
Canadian Home & School Federation (CHSF). You will receive the
QFHSA News Letter delivered to your home four times a year. With
your membership you will become a member of the largest
independent and voluntary parental organization in Canada. If
you are already a member at another school, perhaps you would
like to become an associate member at Dorset.
Each of us is responsible
to be aware and informed about the practices that affect our
children
and their lives at Dorset.
As a Team we can make Great Things Happen!!
