Learning Partners Advisory Council to advance collaborative, learner-focused excellence

January 28, 2016

The Learning Partners Advisory Council will advance a learner-centred culture of educational excellence as part of a Prince Edward Island’s new model of collaboration and shared leadership in learning.The founding members of the Learning Partners Advisory Council were announced today following the selection from more than 100 applicants reflective of the demographics and regions of the province.

“The Council is integral to our collective efforts to support learners from the early years through to the workforce,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “We sincerely appreciate the willingness of the founding members to devote their expertise, time and insights to advancing educational excellence in our province.”

The Council consists of two co-chairs, and 20 community and education leaders with a strong mix of fresh perspectives, expertise, and experience. Many of the members have children in the school system. Premier MacLauchlan and Dr. Bill Whelan are the inaugural co-chairs of the Learning Partners Advisory Council. The first meeting of the Learning Partners Advisory Council will be held in mid-February.

“The strong public response to our call for engagement emphasizes the significance of the Council’s work,” said Dr. Whelan. “We can all agree that the quality of our learning systems and the success of our learners impact the quality of life and well-being of all Islanders.”

More than 100 Islanders submitted their names through Engage PEI to serve on the Council following a campaign in print media and social media, making it one of the most successful engagement efforts for a government agency, board or council.

Inaugural members will serve for terms of two or three years, allowing opportunities for other interested Islanders to serve on the Council and offer new ideas and approaches.

“I am pleased to see Islanders stepping up and getting involved through Engage PEI, with a shared sense of purpose and direction that is focused on the learner,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie. “The work of this Council will be complemented by the District Advisory Councils, which will begin meeting in early February, along with the Principals Council. We are committed to drawing on the expertise of Islanders to help shape public policy that will truly support our learners.”

Members of the Learning Partners Advisory Council

• Co-Chairs: Premier Wade MacLauchlan and Dr. Bill Whelan
• Angela Arsenault, Marshfield Teacher, Eliot River Elementary School
• Anne Bernard-Bourgeois, Wellington Superintendent, Commission scolaire de langue française
• Jeff Brant, Summerside Business leader in design and delivery of adult learning and capacity building to aboriginal adults and youth
• Amanda Brazil, Mermaid Director of Programs and Policy, Canadian Mental Health Association
• Jackie Charchuk, Elmsdale Retired educator
• Donald DesRoches, Brookfield President of Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É
• Kathleen Flanagan, DeGros Marsh Internationally-recognized authority on early childhood education
• Amber Jadis, Scotchfort Engineer and entrepreneur
• Lori Johnston Executive Director, Workplace Learning PEI
• Shawn Loo, Springfield Researcher completing PhD in water resources, organic farmer, and 21 Inc. young leader
• Michelle MacCallum, Breadalbane Director of Youth and Parent Programs, Women’s Network PEI
• Rocio MacCallum, Charlottetown School Settlement Worker with the Association of Newcomers to PEI
• Dr. Ron MacDonald, Stratford Dean of Education , University of Prince Edward Island
• Anna MacKenzie, Eglinton Principal of Georgetown Elementary School
• Bethany MacLeod, President, PEI Teachers Federation
• Moira McGuire, Wellington Former teacher in Lennox Island and West Prince
• Tracey Michael, Charlottetown Dietitian with the Healthy Eating Alliance
• Natalie Mitton, Charlottetown Director of Programs, Holland College
• Peter Rukavina, Charlottetown President of the PEI Home and School Federation
• Dr. Bonnie Stewart, Charlottetown Coordinator of Adult Teaching, UPEI-Holland College joint program

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Media Contact: Mary Moszynski

NT5