Dorset Elementary School - Baie D'Urfé, QC

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Home & School?
Can anyone join?
Do I have to be member to go to the monthly meetings?
Do I have to go to the monthly meetings if I am a member?
Can I participate in the discussions?
Can I bring a topic of discussion to the meeting?
Can I ask questions about practices that affect my child's education and welfare?
Do I have to volunteer for Home & School activities?
Did you know that Home & School is part of a larger parent body?
Did you know that Home & School has its own bank account?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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:

Promote the involvement of parents, students and educators to secure for every child the highest level of learning and advancement.
To act as the voice for all member parents.
To make parents aware of current educational practices and major issues which affect education.
To nominate, appoint or recommend the appointment of representatives to appropriate councils, boards, committees and other educational bodies.
To act as a fundraising body to enhance the educational experience.

8. 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.

9. Did you know that Home & School is part of a larger parent body?

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.

10. Did you know that Home & School has its own bank account?

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.