The 10 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who work for the PSB would like to remind everyone of our mission to help all students “Speak well. Hear well. Live well” throughout the year!

In week 2 of Speech and Hearing month, we discussed Language Disorders.  Contest time!  Define this common childhood condition and be entered into a draw for a $25 gift card curtesy of the PEI Speech and Hearing Association.  Submit your entry via email to Emily Hastings, SLP, (ekhastings@edu.pe.ca) by Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

Did you know that Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) support students with a variety of needs that impact their academic success?

Communication disorders are diverse and can occur on their own, or as part of another condition, such as:

• Genetic syndromes, such as Down Syndrome
• Developmental Delay
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Hearing Loss
• Intellectual Disability
• Delays in literacy skills development

More information about SLPs and the populations they help can be found here.

Did you know that SLPs in the Public Schools Branch diagnose and treat Language Disorders?

“Language disorders are far more common than other childhood conditions that are more familiar to the general public, such as Autism and Dyslexia. Developmental language disorders are probably the most common childhood condition you have never heard of.” – Norbury & Broddle 2016

When a person has significant trouble understanding others (receptive language), or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely (expressive language), then he or she has a Language Disorder. Language disorders are common in school age children with an estimated 2 out of every 30 children suffering from a Language Disorder. During the school years, Language disorders affect all domains of academic achievement.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations to Stacy Thain, teacher at Summerside Intermediate School and currently seconded to the Department of Education, for receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Stacy was recognized, in part, for her understanding of the importance of authentic, relevant learning for adolescents. She creates opportunities for students to connect what they are learning in school with the world around them. This is great news and a well-earned recognition for Stacy’s continued dedication to her students’ learning and success.

Effective April 6, the National Public Alerting system, where EMOs across the country will now be able to push life threatening alerts, will be active on all compatible wireless devices.   On May 9th at 1:55 p.m. PEI EMO will be conducting a live test of the system. The system does not allow cellphone users/owners to opt out of the alerts and only newer compatible devices will receive the alerts.   Attached here is a brief outline of the system. Feel free to also visit the website for additional information   www.alertready.ca

Many students and school staff that carry a compatible wireless device will receive this test message on May 9. Individuals with their devices on silent will not hear the alert sound however their phone will vibrate and they will receive a text like message with a message to the effect of…”This is only a test. This is a scheduled test of the Public Alerting System from Prince Edward Island’s Emergency Measures Organization. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would receive instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. This is only a test. No Action is required.”

As it is expected there could be a bit of disruption because of this message, please share this information with your as you see fit.