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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health
School Backpack

Parent and Family Engagement in Schools

Parent/family engagement in schools is a shared responsibility between educators, social workers, child and youth workers, parents and families, administrators, school board staff, government, public health and community partners (community groups, faith groups, CAS, YMCA, etc.) that are committed to reaching out to engage parents and families in meaningful ways. Parents/family engagement has a significant impact on children’s academic and developmental goals, as well as their health and well-being. Below you will find resource to help you engage parents, families and caregivers in their child’s learning experience.  

Parent Engagement Policy  

The Ministry of Education understand the benefits of parent engagement and has created the Parenting in Partnership policy document to support school staff in implementing parent/family engagement strategies at school.

Home-Based Engagement

Home-based activities are more closely linked to student achievement compared to school-based activities. Schools usually focus on school-based involvement which only reach select groups. Parent/family engagement is not limited to School Council or Parent Involvement Committee but can include supporting students with schoolwork, communicating with teachers, reading together etc. Focusing on home-based activities may begin to help address the current achievement gap between students. To learn more about home-based activities visit, People for Education.

Building Relationships

Search Institute Keep Connected Program offers schools with support to help build strong relationships with parents and families. Their goal is to strengthen relationships to help kids be and become their best selves. View these webinars to learn more about engaging parents and families through relationships.

Resources for Schools

Parent Engagement: Strategies for Involving Parents in School Health toolkit describes strategies for increasing parent engagement in school. To increase parent engagement schools must 1) connect with parents; 2) provide activities and opportunities to engage with parents; and 3) work with parents to sustain their engagement by addressing barriers and challenges.

Resource for Parents and Families

The Council of Ontario Directors of Education has produced a series of resources with input from parents across Ontario. These resources help families guide their children in learning skills that are essential for success at school and throughout life.

Parent Organizations 


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COVID-19 vaccines in HPE

Eligible individuals can receive their vaccination at many participating local pharmacies by contacting the pharmacy directly. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for location and registration information.

Vaccine ordering for health care providers

Vaccine orders for routine immunizations and STI medications continue to be available through HPEPH by using our vaccine order forms; however, please note that our vaccine delivery/pickup procedure has changed. For the most up to date pick up schedule please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-orders-info-healthcare-providers/.