News & Updates

Mid-Year Update

February 2026

A Message From The Director

Dear Public Schools Branch Families,

As we begin the second half of our school year, we look forward to continued opportunities for learning, growth and success. As the second semester of classes for high school students begins, we always see a renewed focus from all schools this time of year.

I wish to take a moment to celebrate the amazing things happening across our schools and share important updates with you.

The consistent dedication found in Prince Edward Island schools is evident every day. Our students continue to grow as individuals while maintaining a focus on learning and kindness. Best of luck to everyone as we kick off the second half of the school year.

Warmly,
Tracy Beaulieu
Director of the Public Schools Branch

Board of Trustee Elections

The Public Schools Branch extends a warm welcome to our newly elected trustees and congratulations to those returning to continue their important work. Sincere thanks are also extended to all candidates who put their names forward and to everyone who took the time to vote. Your commitment to education and the success and well-being of our students, staff, and schools is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank the outgoing trustees for their service and commitment to the Public Schools Branch. Their leadership and contributions have helped strengthen our school communities and supported student learning across the province.

Westisle Family of Schools (Zone 1): Andrew Avery
Three Oaks Family of Schools (Zone 2): Emily McKeown
Kensington and Kinkora Families of Schools (Zone 3): Peter Fullerton    
Bluefield Family of Schools (Zone 4): Karen Clare
Charlottetown Family of Schools (Zone 5): Gaylene Carragher and Andrew MacFarlane
Montague Family of Schools (Zone 6): Wade Czank
Morell and Souris Families of Schools (Zone 7): Marcella Byrne
Appointed: Stephanie Arnold and Andrew Rose

To learn more about the Public Schools Branch Board of Trustees, visit their webpage.

Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports

The Public Schools Branch is seeing great results with Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This approach helps schools build safe, respectful, and caring learning spaces by teaching positive behaviour, building strong relationships, and recognizing good choices.

In fall 2024, staff and students in 18 schools worked together to create school-wide core values such as kindness, respect, safety, and responsibility. Teaching and practice began early in 2025.

Students are celebrating each other’s good choices, and parents and guardians have seen these skills used at home too. Staff say there is more teamwork and consistency across classrooms.

Our hope is to take this from a pilot and expand the program so more schools can begin the work to implement PBIS in their schools.

Student Spotlight: From Wood Islands to Abu Dhabi!

Congratulations to Kayley Carter, a Grade 11 student at Montague Regional High School (and formerly Belfast Consolidated), whose curiosity about horses and apples took her all the way to Abu Dhabi!

Kayley was one of just 36 Canadian young innovators selected to showcase her science project at the MILSET Expo-Sciences International (ESI) 2025, a global exhibition celebrating youth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Her research explored an important question: How many apples are safe for a horse to eat? Kayley discovered that while apples are a common treat, too many can be harmful and she’s sharing her findings with the world.

From winning her school’s and provincial science fairs to representing Prince Edward Island on the international stage, Kayley’s journey shows the power of curiosity, hard work, and community support.

We’re so proud of you, Kayley!

Local Food Banks

Students at Birchwood Intermediate are making an impact in their community through ongoing support of the local food bank. By helping prepare food, pack hampers, create treat bags, and manage recycling tasks, students are learning the value of service, teamwork, and responsibility. We are proud of the compassion and leadership they demonstrate as they give back and represent their school so positively.

Growing Skills Beyond the Classroom

Stratford Elementary is finding meaningful ways to help students build real-world skills and confidence. Each Friday, a group of students proudly run a coffee service for staff, managing orders, payments, and deliveries while strengthening communication and social skills. Students are also enjoying new opportunities for movement and independence thanks to the loan of two adaptive bikes, which have quickly become a favorite part of the school day.

A New Outdoor Classroom Takes Shape At O’Leary Elementary

O'Leary Elementary was excited to celebrate the opening of its new Outdoor Classroom in November, a space designed to inspire hands-on learning and connection with nature for all students. This meaningful project was made possible through the generous support of LiveWell PEI and the Westisle Carpentry Apprenticeship Class, whose contributions helped bring the vision to life. As the space continues to grow, it will offer even more opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and outdoor learning.

Celebrating 50 Years of Community at Hernewood Intermediate

Hernewood Intermediate recently reflected on a milestone anniversary that highlighted decades of learning, connection, and community pride. The schools invited the community to take part in special events including an open house with school tours, a photo booth, memorabilia displays and the chance to sign their legacy book. Former students, staff, and leaders shared memories of friendships and school activities that helped shape the school into what it is today. Their celebrations proved that Hernewood Intermediate is not just a building, but a place that shaped multiple generations of people.

Celebrating Reading Through Creativity At Montague Consolidated

Montague Consolidated brought reading to life through creativity with its annual Pumpkin Literacy Character Contest in October. Classes worked together to explore stories, celebrate favorite characters, and transform pumpkins into imaginative book-inspired designs that showcased a shared love of reading. The contest highlighted wonderful examples of creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm for literacy across the school.

Blue Jays Spirit Takes Over Schools

Schools across the Public Schools Branch joined in the excitement during the Toronto Blue Jays playoff run, bringing a fun sense of spirit and connection into classrooms and hallways. Students and staff showed their support by wearing team gear, talking baseball and enjoying shared moments of excitement together. It was a great example of how school communities come together around shared interests and positive energy. We can’t wait to see Olympic-Fever hit in February!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Schools across PEI came together in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students and staff engaged in meaningful learning and reflection, including participating in class discussions and activities that deepen understanding of Indigenous histories and voices. Some schools organized walks together in solidarity, symbolizing our shared commitment to reconciliation and wearing orange as a visible sign of support and remembrance.

Student Safety

The safety and well-being of students is the highest priority. We are implementing comprehensive, long-term changes to strengthen student safety across all our schools. Earlier this school year we launched a dedicated student safety website to provide updates on progress on initiatives while constantly working on long-term systemic improvements.

Kindergarten Registration

There is still time to register for kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year!

Parents and guardians are asked to register their children for kindergarten. Registration forms are available on your school's website or by contacting the school.

If your child was born outside of Canada or speaks a language other than English, French or Mi’kmaq in your home please register with the EAL/FAL Reception Centre by calling 902-620-3738 or emailing ealfalwelcome@edu.pe.ca. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Children must be 5 years old by December 31, 2026, in order to be eligible for kindergarten.
  • Parents are asked to register their child at their local elementary school during school hours.
  • Parents will need to fill out a registration form and a kindergarten questionnaire.
  • Parents are reminded to bring a piece of government-issued ID verifying proof of their child’s age, such as a birth certificate, PEI health card or passport.
  • Verification of home address must also be provided, such as a current utility bill.
  • Schools will be reaching out to parents in the winter or spring of 2026 with details about information meetings for parents and orientation for students.

To learn more, visit: https://princeedwardisland.ca/kindergartenregistration

Storm Procedures

When winter storms impact the Public Schools Branch, every effort is made to announce weather-related cancellations by 6:30AM on local radio stations and on the PSB website and social media channels. Announcements may include messages such as “all classes in the Public Schools Branch are cancelled,” or “all classes are on a one-hour delay.” In some cases, only an individual school or a family of schools may close. These partial closures or delays will also be announced by family of schools.

Important Links

Related Links