In every-thing, set them an example by doing what is good. Titus 2:7

Goals

Family Conference 2

Department of Education Meeting

4

SIP 6

en francais 8

National Leadership Conference

9

Conference 2014 11

Get involved 12

Inside this issue:

HEMS Ministries October 2013 Volume 13 Issue 4

Goals. Most Dads get excited when talking about goals associated with some sport like hockey or soccer. When athletes engage in a team sport where having the most goals decides the winner; they train with the purpose of getting better at keeping other teams from scoring, while they score at will. Top athletes know that the developing the mental part of the game is as or more important as improving physically.

In order for a team to be successful, all must train with singleness of mind eyeing the prize that they are pursuing to win as a team. The larger the team, the more a team must work together to succeed. Great teams win regularly because they not only have talent but they are willing to sacrifice to reach their goals.

James Allen, an early 20th century philosopher, penned “He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”

Dads, our families are our teams without any chance of trading players. Every dad is not just the head coach but the captain of the team. We are player-coaches. There should be lots of pep talks (encouragement) for our wives and children. Just as important as our pep talks as coach, is our daily example as the captain of the team. A team captain does not have to be an overly vocal person but when they speak others listen. The reason they listen is because the captain should be the person who exempli-fies what the team stands for and how one trains to be successful. Young players emulate older players who have been successful. Without a doubt our children watch us closely. We can all recall times when we have seen one of our children imitating something we did or repeating something we said. It is natu-ral to learn from those around us and mimic what we learn. Monkey see, monkey do.

Unfortunately, some dads (myself included) sometimes struggle to define concrete personal goals or fam-ily goals. We may feel overwhelmed with career responsibilities, family obligations, financial burdens, health issues, charitable work, extracurricular activities, house maintenance, car repairs, etc that our minds are stuck in survive mode. When this is happening we are usually missing the BIG picture and our family suffers.

Proverbs 22:6 is a very familiar verse “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The emphasis is “train up”. Have you ever seen a coach sitting in a chair giving instruction to his players while they train. If you have I can guarantee the team is terrible. Good coaches are on their feet moving around, encouraging the players, helping them with some technique they might be struggling to master, or explaining how they can handle certain situations better, or improve on some of the mental aspects of the game. Training is hard work for the coach and the players. It takes prep, commitment, determination, and sacrifice. Remember dads that we are not just the coach of our respec-tive teams (homes) but player-coaches. We show how to do it by being in the game not just on the side-line; as hard as that may be some days.

So how do you and I as dads impact our families with vision and direction? How are you and I building the reputations of our families? Will we be leaving a strong positive servant-attitude legacy or will our family be remembered for negative things? Will our families remember us as men who coached them to their full potential or will they remember apathetic men who failed to lead?

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)

Page 2 HEMS Ministries

Family Conference Looking for a great time of refreshing and

encouragement?

Each year, HEMS hosts a fall family

conference. This is not a homeschool

specific conference but is designed to reach out and en-courage families, build

relationships and help equip all of us for the

journey ahead.

This year, we have a fantastic schedule and would love to share the day with you!

When: Saturday, October 26th, 2013

Where:

Lake Echo Fellowship Church,

17 Peter Court, Mineville

Cost: FREE

(a love offering will be

accepted)

Page 3 HEMS Ministries

This year’s theme Kingdom Building:Mentoring & Discipleship

1 Timothy 1:12, 15-16

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, ap-pointing me to his service... Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Je-sus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I

was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense pa-tience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

9-10 Teens + The 12 Tribes—How God Builds a Nation

9-12 Elementary David & Saul/Samuel and David &

Jonathon—The Voices We Listen To, Being Brothers, Your Goliath

10:15—11 Teens Elijah & Elisha—But Still He Followed

Ladies Esther & Mordecai—Submission

Men Paul & Timothy—Fortifying the Young

11:15—12 Teens Elijah—God’s Still Small Voice

Ladies Lois & Eunice—Legacy of Faith

Men Deborah & Barak—Missing the Blessing

12—1 BBQ Lunch available $5/meal

1:15-2 Teens Elijah’s Cloak—Passing the Torch

Ladies Esther—For Such a Time as This

Men Moses & Joshua—Learning By Example

1:15-3 Elementary Jesus & His Disciples—

He is Still Discipling Us

2:15—3 Teens + Jesus & the Disciples

Following the Auditor General’s

Report, the Depart-ment of Education has a two year window to respond to his recom-mendations.

The three most concerning recommen-dations: standardized curriculum,

standardized testing and access to health

records have all been addressed and rejected.

In the spring, the Department of

Education held consultation meet-ings with the homeschool community at large and re-ceived a number of sugges-tions on ways the Depart-ment could provide support.

So far,13 things have been addressed:

1. link to Fair Assessment Practices policy on website;

2. Info on access to speech pathology

3. SIP information

4. Resource links on website

5. HEMS & NSHEA links on site

6. CAT link on site

7. Link to AG report on site

8. Extra-curricular sports available

9. AP exams available (for a fee)

10. Working on online form submis-sion with electronic signature

11. Personal Development Credits—no h/s credits

12. CAMET writing & reading stan-dards on website

13. Provincial testing not available

(based on Fair Assessment Policy)

2012—2013 Final #s

Annapolis Valley RSB 219/22.6%

Cape Breton-Victoria RSB 38/3.9%

Chignecto-Cnetral RSB 162/16.7%

Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial 23/2.4%

Halifax RSB 352/36.3%

South Shore RSB 58/6.0%

Strait RSB 37/3.8%

Tri-County RSB 82/8.4%

TOTAL 971

2013—2014 #s as of Oct 22/13

Annapolis Valley RSB 160/22.2%

Cape Breton-Victoria RSB 29/4.0%

Chignecto-Cnetral RSB 120/16.7%

Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial 17/2.4%

Halifax RSB 282/39.2%

South Shore RSB 27/3.8%

Strait RSB 30/4.2%

Tri-County RSB 55/7.6%

TOTAL 720

Update on the Auditor General’s Report

STATS by Regional School Board (RSB)

Families consistently demonstrated remarkable commitment to the edu-cation of their children. Work was creative, well thought out and was a small taste of the exceptional work being carried out in homeschools

around Nova Scotia.

Many of the portfolios were returned (simply no room to store them). Alan and Denise are looking forward to seeing more testimonies of success this spring.

Last year, as part of the response to the Auditor General’s recommenda-tions, the Department of Education requested samples of work be sub-mitted along with end of year re-ports. Not part of Nova Scotia Regu-lations, some families chose not to participate. For those families who did, the feedback at the an-nual meeting was,

“Unbelievable!”

Registrations & Reports

Page 4 HEMS Ministries

If you have not sent in your registration yet, it’s not too late!

Working together to make homeschooling work for

everyone!

Speech—http://homeschooling.ednet.ns.ca/resources/services

Immunizations—http://homeschooling.ednet.ns.ca/content/childhood-immunizations

Sports Insurance— www.sip.ca

Common Questions—http://homeschooling.ednet.ns.ca/common-questions

NS General Learning Outcomes—http://homeschooling.ednet.ns.ca/resources/curriculum

CAMET Reading & Writing Samples—

http://homeschooling.ednet.ns.ca/resources/reading-and-writing-achievement-standards

The Department of Education website will continue to be updated over the next few months. Check back to see what’s new.

HEMS—www.hems-ns.ca

CAT—http://hems-ns.ca/canadian-achievement-tests-2/

Support Groups—http://hems-ns.ca/nova-scotia-support-groups/

HSLDA—http://www.hslda.ca/

Scholarships—canlearn.ca

Many more can be found online.

Services & Support Quick Links

Say Cheese

Contact Information

Denise Bell is the new REO.

Dr. Lowe will

continue to work with us in a

supportive role.

Volume 13 Issue 4 Page 5

Left-right back row:

Kim Pickup—St. Francis Home Educators

Jan Rowe—Educating for Eternity

Denise Bell—REO

Dr. Alan Lowe—Senior Advisor School

Board Relations

Anne-Marie Brown—Café Franco

Raquel VanderPloeg—Central Valley

Front row:

Julie Halfpenny—HENNS

Leslie Neily—NSHEA

Stephanie Jackson - HEMS

Page 6 HEMS Ministries

Page 7 HEMS Ministries

Information provided by the Department of Education

October 22, 2013

Page 8 HEMS Ministries

Un beau matin la semaine dernière, sur la route menant à New Ross, je fus éblouie par le tableau multicolore du feuillage d'automne: le vert, le rouge, le jaune, le brun et tous les mélanges qui en découlent. N'y a-t-il pas de meilleure métaphore pour illustrer l'école-maison en Nouvelle-Écosse?

C'est donc dans cet esprit que j'ai accepté d'assister à la rencontre du 22 octobre 2013 avec Dr Lowe, Mme Bell et les déléguées de divers groupes de soutien de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Pour ceux ou celles qui voudraient communiquer avec le Ministère en français, Mme Jacqueline Levert est la personne à rejoindre.

Tout d'abord, en ce qui a trait aux statistiques des inscriptions 2013-2014 reçues jusqu'à présent, les enfants faisant l'école-maison en français représentent 2,4% de la province et comptent 17 enfants d'âge scolaire. D'après mes statistiques personnelles, le nombre de fa-milles francophones choisissant l'école-maison a augmenté de 10%, mais le nombre d'enfants inscrits a diminué de 26%. Cette diminution vient majoritairement d'une même famille qui a ré-intégré le CSAP cette année et d'un élève de 10e année retourné à l'école.

Suite aux consultations du Ministère avec les familles en juin 2013, les familles faisant l'école-maison inscrites au Ministère de l'Education bénéficient maintenant de services supplémentaires tels que l'orthophonie, l'assurance-accident en milieu scolaire et de meilleures ressources didac-tiques sur leur site provincial.

L'assurance-accident nous permet donc maintenant de participer aux activités para-scolaires et sportives qui ont lieu dans les écoles publiques de la province, sauf bien entendu les sorties sco-laires et les équipes sportives inter-écoles sanctionnées par la NSSAF.

Le nouveau site nous offre des liens utiles ainsi que des échantillons authentiques d'écriture pro-pre à chaque niveau scolaire. En plus, si vous scolarisez au secondaire 2e cycle, vous avez dorénavant accès aux examens du programme américain <Advanced Placement (AP) >.

Le Ministère a su répondre aux inquiétudes qu'a soulevées le rapport du vérificateur général. Les changements qui, ces temps-ci, perturbent la routine de leur bureau sont de natures internes et ne nous affectent pas directement. Ils doivent met-tre à jour leur système informatique désuet, créer une banque de données automatisée, permettre un meilleur suivi des dos-siers, etc.

Le système actuel se veut respectueux de chaque famille, sa philosophie, ses valeurs et son approche tout comme les couleurs d'automne qui m'ont éblouie la semaine dernière en route vers New Ross.

Anne-Marie Brown, épouse de Kenneth Brown, mère de Sé-bastien, Julien et Ethan

Café Franco

Services éducatifs régionaux: Automne 2013

Over the past MANY years, we have had the privilege of work-ing with homeschool leaders from around the country. Mak-ing these connectioins are a vital part of growing in our homeschool journey as well as in the development of HEMS.

Taking the time to build relationships with other homeschoolers is a wonderful way to not only better under-stand what is going on with other homeschoolers, but it also offers support and encourage-ment that help avoid burnout and infuse your homeschool with

fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm.

The joy of reuniting with old friends has become one of the biggest draws for us as we at-tend different homeschool con-ferences. The opportunity to meet new families and connect with them is another great ini-tative.

Whether you’re interested in leadership or not, make a plan to get involved with your local

conference (or at least attend it) and see what an impact it makes on your homeschool!

3. HEMS works to em-power others to use their gifts.

4. HEMS is committed to open and frequent communication.

There is always room for us to grow but we are excited about the journey and those who will join us along the way!

http://vzaar.com/videos/1361521

For the first time, Stephanie was a presenter at the Canadian NLC. The question was, “What makes HEMS work?”

The answer?

1. HEMS has a vision: helping, en-couraging, mentoring & serving the homeschool community.

2. HEMS encourages others to come alongside.

Encouragement Across Canada

Organizing As A Small Province

Canada (or internationally) and help them network and educate one an-other. From legal challenges to con-ference administration, leaders have the opportunity to learn from one another an dbrainstorm means of

better supporting homeschoolers in their communities.

As the sponsor, HSLDA is committed to supporting Canadian leaders by providing resources and being available to answer questions, share materials and work together with provinces to protect the rights and freedoms of families to homeschool in Canada.

The National Leadership Conference is an annual event hosted by HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Associa-tion)

We have been blessed to have attended two international con-ferences (Buffalo 2008, Orlando 2012) and one Canadian conference (Montreal 2013).

These events are designed to bring leaders together from across

What is NLC? (National Leadership Conference)

Page 9 HEMS Ministries

www.hslda.ca

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson HEMS Norman & Arlene Brown HENB

http://vzaar.com/videos/1361609

One of the most amazing things about NLC is the opportunity to con-nect with leaders who are going through some of the struggles that you are facing. Sometime the strug-gles are big and sometimes they are precedent setting. In this photo,

Paul Faris (HSLDA), Patty Marler (AHEA) and Stephanie Jackson

(HEMS) discuss the move in Alberta to mandate Bill of Rights curriculum with Bill 2 and the Auditor General’s Report released in Nova Scotia in November 2012.

In both situations, homeschoolers rallied together. Regardless of reli-gious or educational philosophy, the homeschool voice was very clear. “We are united in defending our right to home educate our children in the way we deem best.”

After months of consultations, plan-ning, lobbying, researching, working with HSLDA and praying, the rights of parents to direct the education of their children were once again up-

held. Homeschoolers in Quebec con-tinue to face challenges with govern-ment. HSLDA and provincial leaders are steadfastly working to support families homeschooling in this op-pressive environment.

If you’re not yet a member of HSLDA and would like to be, visit www.hslda.ca.

If you are a member and you would like to listen to NLC recordings, visit http://www.hslda.ca/member/recording/2013

When joining, mention that you are a member of HEMS and you will re-ceive a $15 discount on your annual membership.

facing government interference in their homeschool.

That money brought Paul to Nova Scotia last year to help us as we worked together to stand against the Auditor General’s recommendations.

That money provides you with insur-ance, through HSLDA, that covers any homeschool event you organize as well as your liability for any homeschool board on which you serve.

The Board of HSLDA took a minute to thank Paul and Susanne Faris for their dedication to supporting home education in Canada. Both are homeschool graduates and plan to homeschool their family (right now three adorable little girls).

Money is tight for everyone and the thought of another $115 can seem like a lot.

That money goes toward defending families (at no charge) when they are

We encourage you to consider whether an HSLDA membership is right for your family.

Success: How Homeschooling Freedoms Were Defended

Why HSLDA?

where you will find NLC recordings, forums and other helpful resources.

HEMS is committed to providing quarterly (or more often) newsletters and our website is updated regularly with current information and new initiatives.

If you, or someone you know, feels out of the loop or is looking for infor-mation, check out these resources as well as the HEMS spring conference

meet ven-dors, par-ticipate in workshops, make new friends and be encour-aged and equipped for the year to come.

Communication, or lack thereof, is probably the greatest contributor to the success or failure of any organi-zation.

HSLDA members receive a quarterly magazine called, the Court Report. It is full of updates and presented in both English and French. The HSLDA website is regularly being updated. If you are a member, be sure to visit the new members’ site

The Importance of Communication

“The single biggest problem in

communication is the illusion that it has

taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

Volume 13 Issue 4 Page 10

Page 11 HEMS Ministries

Are you looking for a source to buy quality organic flours and grains in bulk?

Speerville Flour Mills offers these and more.

Located in New Brunswick, they have a huge selection of

flours, grains, pastas, sprouting seeds, mixes, dried fruits, seeds, and more!

Sprouts Co-op has been ordering in bulk from Speerville Flour Mills for over a year now;

it is free to join and all are welcome!

If you are interested in learning more about Speerville or placing an order with the Co-op,

just drop Krista Ortiz an email at kbortiz@hotmail.com

to be added to our email list and receive their latest product and price list.

Have fun! Connect with a friend. Join swim-ming

lessons. Invite a family over. Co-op a subject or a

project. Participate in field trips or science fairs

or conferences.

to find a support group in your area. There are lots of homeschoolers in Nova Scotia. You

are not doing this alone!

http://hems-ns.ca/nova-scotia-support-groups/#

Is right around the corner! There is always room for more to join in the planning and execution of this amazing event. If you are interested in

getting involved in this year’s conference, if you have any ideas to improve the day or sug-gestions for workshops, we want to know.

Email contactus@hems-ns.ca We look forward to hearing from you!

Page 12 HEMS Ministries

October 22nd

26th

26th

Annual meeting with Department of Education

HEMS Family Conference

November 11th Remembrance Day

December TBA

HEMS Christmas party

Field trips and extra events will be added as they come up through the year.

Please check in with the calendar on the website for up to date information.

Please remember that we are a family first and sometimes ‘life’ happens.

Don’t miss out!

The best way to make a friend and find support is to get involved!

We’re looking forward to meeting you.

Our Team...

...Is There a Place Here For Your Name?

HEMS Spring Conference Conference Coordinator: Stephanie Jackson

Vendor Hall Coordinator: Tanya Freeman

Registration: Julie Laidlaw

Used Curriculum: Krista Ortiz

Audio Tech: Nicolas Oritz

Speaker Coordinator:

Stephanie & Jeff Jackson

Lunch: Zachaeus Jackson

Entrepreneurs: Trish Fox

Tables & Set Up: Roy & Astrid Monstur

Database: Julie Laidlaw

Donations: Krista Ortiz

Door Prizes:

Goodie Bags:

Advertising: Sara Moginot/Merriam Nixon

Hotel Booking: Jen Hammond

Facility Rental: Andrea Scholfield

Facility Reassembly: Roy & Astrid Monstur

Announcements:

HEMS Facilitators: Jeff & Stephanie Jackson

Reading Club: Hannah Grace Jackson

Website: Jeff Jackson

Science Fair: Jeff & Stephanie Jackson

History Fair:

Field Trips:

HEMS Family Conference Conference Coordinator: Jeff & Stephanie Jackson

Registration: Julie Laidlaw

Used Curriculum: Krista Ortiz

AudioTech: Nicolas Oritz

Workshop Coordinator: Jeff & Stephanie Jackson

Lunch: Zachaeus Jackson

Tables & Set Up:

Database:

Advertising:

Signs:

Facility Reassembly:

Announcements:

Newsletter: Stephanie Jackson

Page 13 HEMS Ministries

Swimming Lessons: Stephanie Jackson

Used Curriculum: Krista Ortiz

Blog: Stephanie Jackson

Political Oversight: Jeff Jackson

to cover the costs of the events. We do charge a little bit extra to help cover the ongoing operational costs of the website, photocopying, print-ing, etc. I can assure you, your money is going back into HEMS and making it possible for us to continue to provide these events.

The HEMS family conference, held each October, is offered to everyone at no cost. We do thankfully accept any love offering you may feel led to give to defray unexpected or special expenses that HEMS incurs through-out the year. Please, if you are won-dering if there is a place for you to

Volunteers make up the back bone of many organizations and HEMS is no different. We are surrounded by men and women, dads and mums and teens who offer up their time, talents, energy and resources so that HEMS can provide its various minis-try outreaches.

Whenever possible, we try to avoid charging for our events. Times are tight for many and if we can keep the bills at bay we try to do that. There are activities that demand payment, such as swimming lessons and the spring conference. We do charge a set fee for these as we need

get involved, take a look at the list below. “Many hands make light work” as the saying goes, so even if you don’t see a job that interests you, if there is something that you feel you could contribute to your homeschooling community through HEMS get on board and get in-

volved. Make some new friends and share the adven-ture!

What Makes it Work?

Page 14 HEMS Ministries

Check out our new website!

Stay tuned as it continues to grow with a

curriculum swap board and online access to past audio workshops, newsletters and an

interactive calendar updating what is coming up with HEMS.

If there is something you would like to see on our website, let us know and we’ll do our best to make

it available.

You can also friend us on Facebook

(HEMS Homeschooling )

for blog updates and highlights as well as

invitations to HEMS events.

6 Brian Andrew Street Lake Echo, Nova Scotia,

B3E 1M4

902-701-2410 contactus@hems-ns.ca

Helping Encouraging Mentoring Serving

We believe that the greatest support available to homeschooling Mothers is found in having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ followed by the

support offered by the fathers of homeschooled chil-dren. The goal of HEMS is to provide homeschooling families with resources, encouragement and edification to help make homeschooling a positive experience; and one that fol-lows the Scriptural pattern for raising children for God. Although HEMS is a Christian group, we encour-age all homeschoolers in the Halifax Regional Munici-pality and beyond, to participate in our activities and events. One of our hopes is to see more Dads involved at home and

participating in supporting homeschooling in their communities.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

HEMS Ministries

www.hems-ns.ca