Dear SHBE supporters,

On behalf of your SHBE board of directors, I invite you to attend the SHBE Annual General Meeting, which will be held virtually on April 15, 2021 at 7pm. The AGM is usually held during the SHBE convention. It seems like we’ve all been waiting for this indefinite “two weeks to flatten the curve” to be over, and we were really hoping to fit in a gathering of some sort. In any case, it is now clear we need to make plans to conduct the AGM under the restrictions that are currently in place. The AGM is open to all active SHBE members. Prior registration is required to accommodate validation of membership status, which will be conducted according to the SHBE bylaws:

• you must reside in Saskatchewan
• you must be at least 18 years of age
• you must be a parent or guardian in a homeschool family
• you must have a current SHBE membership

Memberships can be purchased online at https://shbe.ca/membership/. Please use this link to register to attend: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMscuurqDIrGNYDDh9KXDsE3muXbCkZKCxv .

As part of the usual business of the AGM, we are also calling for nominations. Nomination forms are available at https://shbe.ca/resources/nomination-form.pdf (and attached). In 2021, Zones 1, 3, 4, and 5 are up for nomination, as well as the one director at large position (Odd zones in odd years, with Zone 4 currently vacant). There has been one nomination received for the position of Zone 4 director. If there are elections to be held, they will be held following the close of nominations. Yes, I am the “odd” director at large (I know you were thinking it ?).

Finally, your SHBE board of directors are announcing a membership rate reduction from $35 to $25 until March 31. This reduction reflects the reduced expenses for 2020-2021. The number of questions answered, amount of assistance provided, discussions held with school divisions, and advocacy with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health was higher than ever – so this does not represent a reduction in value. The reduction is a modest amount, on an already very modest yearly membership fee. There are a large number of “seasonal” “homeschoolers” this year, as well as quite a few new homeschoolers who just needed the extra incentive this year afforded in order to begin. With the number of “seasonal” homeschoolers, it is more important than ever that convictional home based educators are fairly represented. Please consider partnering with SHBE by purchasing a membership. Each membership says to the provincial government, “SHBE is in this with me” and lends weight to our lobby efforts on your behalf.

Yours Truly,

Rod Amberson
Saskatchewan Home Based Educators
Webpage: www.shbe.ca
Email: help@shbe.info