Parent Group: Partners for Inclusive Education (PIE) at Lord Tennyson
The Lord Tennyson chapter of Partners for Inclusive Education (PIE) is a parent support group that promotes the implementation of inclusive education at our school. Inclusion describes the principle that all students are entitled to equitable access to learning, achievement and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of their education (Special Education Services. A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines. April 2016). Inclusion recognizes that some children are vulnerable. It requires teamwork from parents and schools to maximize "wrap-around support" and to recognize the value of celebrating differences that make our children individuals.
PIE at Lord Tennyson offers an opportunity for each person to share ideas, learn, grow, and show support within our school community. We strive for open collaboration and communication on topics related to inclusive education. Everyone is welcome. Our members are usually parents of children with special learning needs and with experience in navigating the resources available to schools and parents. We also welcome parents who want to promote anti-bullying, anti-racism and tolerance of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LBGT) students.
We believe that every person - regardless of their challenges - is important, should participate, and contributes something unique and valuable to our school community.
In May 2016, the group was started under the name of the Parent Support Group, but changed names to PIE in February 2018. It is partly modelled after the PIE group at General Gordon. During autumn 2017, it became formally part of the Parent Activity Committee (PAC) with its own representatives in the inclusion committee of PAC.
The group meets monthly throughout the school year. The meetings are either morning coffees, evening meetings or formal presentations under the PAC umbrella.
Everyone is welcome to attend any of our events and join the conversation. To receive the reminders and updates, you can join our e-mailing list by sending a message to: pietennyson@gmail.com