The Homeschool Network's Mission
To provide a supportive, resourceful and respectful community that aims to help all homeschooling families flourish in home-based and community-based learning.History of The Homeschool Network
THN began in the fall of 1996 as The Burlington Homeschool Network. Shauna Bennett and Heather Butler were looking for a group that would welcome families regardless of their style of homeschooling. During its second year, the group more than tripled in size. Presently, THN is a vibrant and dynamic group made up of families that learn, share, and socialize together through participation in activities and in our yahoo group.The Function of THN
THN provides the opportunity to meet and form friendships with other homeschooling families, and to participate in activities. These include monthly meetings, social events, field trips, yahoo group access, and more. Members are welcome to organize and/or host activities that interest them. Examples of activities include: informal get-togethers, public speaking, recitals, fairs, book clubs, museum visits, tours, physical education, etc. No formal activities are scheduled for the summer months.THN's Functioning Principles
Below are THN's Functioning Principles. THN is:- INCLUSIVE: Our group is richer for its diversity and welcomes families who:
- home school
- have diverse backgrounds
- have differing learning and teaching philosophies
- SUPPORTIVE: We support each other in our efforts to homeschool our children. We accomplish this by:
- learning from each other
- listening to each other and building friendships
- sharing ideas, resources and experiences
- getting together for social and educational activities
- DEMOCRATIC: The running of THN is open to any current member who is interested. Members are encouraged to become involved according to their own strengths and interests. Involvement is voluntary and the group operates as follows:
- no one leader
- no executive
- democratic decision-making by vote at meetings and by proxy vote
- no official involvement in disagreements
- PRIVATE: The THN Member List is private and we respect each member’s right to privacy. The purpose of the list is to facilitate networking between current THN members. Please:
- keep the Member List in a safe place
- do not share the contents of the Member List with anyone who is not a current THN member
- RESPONSIBLE: Participation in THN events is voluntary. As members of THN, we understand that responsibility lies with each of us for:
- our own safety and well being
- our own actions and those of our children
- providing satisfactory education for our own children
- taking the initiative to ensure the group is meeting our unique needs
- working out any disagreements that arise
- communicating any expectations or restrictions when organizing an event or field trip, if necessary
- INTEGRATED: Many THN families participate in our larger community through:
- community clubs and programs (sports, music, drama, art, library and more)
- conferences, committees and boards
- An ADVOCATE: Both our website and our brochures aim to inform the larger community about who we are. We are enthusiastic about:
- sharing information about our group
- fostering an appreciation and understanding about homeschooling as an alternative form of education
- inviting prospective members to an event or a meeting to learn more
- supporting interested members to participate in outside homeschooling conferences, media events and trade shows
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Well, time for an update on the spring 'term'.
In the past few months our members have been incredibly busy with different events around Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville.
We've held our annual Art Show, Science Fair and a craft show and sale. All events were well attended by members and guests.
We've had our first (hopefully annual) Heritage fair where members got together to share information, games, activities and food about their individual cultures. Again, a very successful event that was very well attended.
We also managed to pull of our second annual coffee house. This event managed to raise over $500 for Interval House Hamilton as well as two car loads of donated clothing and toys. We also donated to the facility all of our left over beverages (water and juice).
Thanks to our members, our social committee and the organizers of all fo these events for making them so successful year after year.
Remember to send us an email if you have any questions about the group, or membership in the group. Also, don't forget to check out the fourms for meeting minutes, event calendar and other membership and support information.
In the past few months our members have been incredibly busy with different events around Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville.
We've held our annual Art Show, Science Fair and a craft show and sale. All events were well attended by members and guests.
We've had our first (hopefully annual) Heritage fair where members got together to share information, games, activities and food about their individual cultures. Again, a very successful event that was very well attended.
We also managed to pull of our second annual coffee house. This event managed to raise over $500 for Interval House Hamilton as well as two car loads of donated clothing and toys. We also donated to the facility all of our left over beverages (water and juice).
Thanks to our members, our social committee and the organizers of all fo these events for making them so successful year after year.
Remember to send us an email if you have any questions about the group, or membership in the group. Also, don't forget to check out the fourms for meeting minutes, event calendar and other membership and support information.
