Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do local Home and School Associations have to submit membership dues?
NBFHSAI operates with volunteers, like you and I. Membership dues are used to provide materials and services to parents and members across New Brunswick. A portion of your membership dues is also used to provide membership in a larger national voice through the Canadian Home and School Federation.
2. How does the local Treasurer submit provincial dues and when?
Dues are to be submitted to the NBFHSAI office along with a completed Treasurer's remittance form. Dues can be submitted as they are collected or in one lump sum. Dues are to be submitted by December 31st. In order to qualify for the “Early Bird” draw, some or all of your dues must be received by October 31st. The “Early Bird” draw winner will receive a free AGM/Conference package (Registration Fee, Banquet Fee and Hotel Room). Locals that do not submit all dues by March 31st are not eligible to vote at that year’s AGM. 3.
3. What do H&S members get for their provincial dues?
In a word, a VOICE. H&S members are part of an organization that is working hard for the best in public education. NBFHSAI provides a continuous voice to government and other education stakeholders to ensure that parents are always recognized as an equal partner in public education. The more members, the louder that collective voice. NBFHSAI provides an annual conference in conjunction with the AGM that provides workshops on a variety of timely topics. NBFHSAI also provides materials and services to local associations throughout the year.
4. How does my individual voice and those of my local members get heard?
District Representatives bring areas of concern, questions and suggested discussion points with education partners to the provincial table. While communication is encouraged via your area representative (this ensures the best in two-way communication), locals are always able to contact the provincial federation directly.
5. Who is the NBFHSAI Board and Executive and how do they get to that position?
The NBFHSAI Board is made of members who are representatives from throughout the province. District representatives are either elected or appointed from their home district to the Board. Executive members are elected by voting delegates at Annual General Meetings as necessary per the NBFHSAI bylaws.
6. How do local Associations receive materials and services from NBFHSAI?
Local associations can contact the NBFHSAI office via email or via phone at 506-363-5809. Materials include pamphlets and posters on a range of topics. Services include workshops such as “Parenting the Net” and “How to run an effective meeting”.
7. Who can attend the Annual General Meeting and Conference?
Everyone! While voting during the business portion of the meeting and conference is via voting delegates (one per local) all who attend are able to voice their opinion and participate in workshops. Often there are three, four, five or more individuals from the same local in attendance. If you aren’t a member of a local Home and School, you can still attend for a nominally higher registration fee. Check here for details.
8. Who can be a member of Home and School?
Everyone is welcome to become a member of Home and School. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, principal, school bus driver, any other employee of the public education system or a community member you are welcome to join Home and School. Everyone’s voice is equal and important.
9. Is the Principal a member of my local association Executive?
Although it is not specified in the provincial Bylaws, the Principal or designate is part of your local Executive. The Principal as an ex-officio Executive member however, does not carry voting privileges. The Principal should attend Executive meetings but when unable, all minutes and information should be passed on immediately. Successful Home and School Associations are those that have the Principal and the Association working in a co-operative relationship with all lines of communication open.
10. Do we represent parents throughout New Brunswick?
NBFHSAI represents members throughout the Anglophone sector of the New Brunswick public education system. Those in the Francophone sector are represented by our colleagues at the Comité de parents.
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11.How does H&S differ from PSSC’s?
Home and School is open to everyone. PSSC membership is restricted with many members of the school community excluded. Home and School has a broader mandate and is not restricted by government decree as to what we can and cannot participate in or comment on. Home and School collaborates and dialogues with other education partners and like-minded community associations in order to achieve the best for our community, both the school community and the greater community at large. PSSC’s are restricted from that broader participation. Home and School strives to inform its members of a range of issues relating to public education. PSSC’s mandate is restricted by provincial legislation. Home and School is an independent body with an independent voice, PSSC’s are not.
