COVID-19 Message from the HIES Board:
Like every organization, we are required to respond quickly and diligently to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we have implemented changes to HIES Programs. Please read HIES statement on COVID-19 including closures/cancellations and how you can help our organization continue to deliver services in these difficult times
- Toddler Drop-In has been suspended until further notice
- Room to Grow will be closed until further notice
- New Life Long Learning Program Seminars to be rescheduled
- The Kitchen will continue to operate, with the following changes:
- Take out service only
- Containers provided
- No food donations being accepted
- Financial donations welcomed (see below)
- Volunteer driver delivery of meals upon request (10 – 2:30 Monday, Wednesday & Friday 250 335-0023)
We will continue to monitor the situation, and follow the guidance of local, provincial, and federal governments and health authorities. Further decisions will be made based on changing conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing considerable disruption around the world, including financial hardship for non-profit organizations such as ours. Supply chain disruptions, and the inability to accept food donations will make operating the Kitchen increasingly more difficult in the weeks and months to come. Meanwhile, the importance of providing meals and supporting our most vulnerable will increase. Cancelling programming and eliminating rental revenue from Room To Grow will also negatively impact our organization. We were in the midst of planning a fundraising event, which will no longer be possible for the foreseeable future. Difficult times can bring out the best in people, and in communities. If you would like to support HIES, we are happy to accept donations by E-transfer, all amounts over $50 will receive a tax receipt. Please send donations to hiesboard@gmail.com or cheques to HIES 2100B Sollans Road, Hornby Island, V0R1Z0
About HIES:
HIES (Hornby Island Education Society) is a registered non-profit charitable organization. We operate numerous community programs on Hornby Island, and are the organization that supports the community school designation of the Hornby School. It’s because of our community school designation that our school, both previous and the one to be rebuilt, has a multi-purpose room and a full size gym available for community use. HIES currently supports Child Youth & Community Programming, the Natural History Center, the Kitchen at Joe King Park, Room To Grow, and we recently launched a Life Long Learning program, which will have to be temporary, suspended due to COVID-19. We acted as stewards of the School Renewal Fund, which collected nearly $100K for the new school, and have advocated alongside other stakeholders to ensure our community school was rebuilt to satisfy the needs of Hornby Island. HIES has deep roots in the community, and is critical to many of the programs which ensure quality education, and a quality of life for the residents which call this beautiful island their home. Please consider helping today, on behalf of the Board, we thank you.
Upcoming Events
The Hornby Island Education Society is excited to offer once again new learning opportunities for the adult learners. Each session will be 1.5 to 2 hours and will be offered on a Sunday or Tuesday afternoons at Room to Grow.
Sunday, March 15th with Arzeena Hamir
“Food Growing Success – Tips & Tricks to Get the Best Production, including Using Greenhouse & Direct Seeding vs Transplants”
Arzeena is an organic farmer and agronomist from Merville, BC. She and her husband own Amara Farm, a 26-acre certified organic vegetable and blueberry farm. Amara Farm was one of the founding members of Merville Organics Growers Cooperative. Arzeena will be happy to take questions after the two hour presentation. We hope that with the many gardeners on the island that this topic will be of great value to both new and old gardeners. Cost for this event will be by donation at the door on the day of the talk.
Tuesday, March 31st with Al and Nancy Morton
“An Introduction to Mason Bees”
This is an excellent follow-up from the first talk on gardening. At this presentation, Al and Nancy Morton from Comox will talk about the life cycle of the amazing mason bee, and about how to make nesting tubes, boxes and a starter house. There is a $15 fee which includes a starter kit and an optional additional charge of $20 for 20 cocoons. Mason bees are an amazing addition to any garden. Pre-registration for this talk will be required as there is a hands on portion and limited seats. (bookingroomtogrow@gmail.com or 250 335-1443)
We are still working on finalizing presentations for April, May and June so stay tuned for updates. One in particular to watch for is Cannabis: Miracle Cure or Snake Oil? Presented by Dr. Susan Booth.
These events are hosted by HIES’ LifeLong Learning Program.
Notice of Meeting: AGM Special Resolution
Notice of Meeting:
Hornby Island Educational Society
Annual General Meeting
November 15, 2019
10:30 – 12 noon
Room To Grow
A Special Resolution to amend HIES Constitution will be presented to the membership for approval at the AGM, as follows:
The members of HIES agree to change 3 of the HIES constitution from ‘to provide for mental, physical, and spiritual growth and well being of its members’; to ‘to provide for mental, physical, and spiritual growth and well being of its members; including education programs, recreation programs and food security programs‘
Family Friendly Education Savings Event
Join us on Tuesday, November 5th for a free family-friendly education savings sign-up event. There will be activities for children and people on-site will guide you through the process of how to receive free funding for your child’s education. The event will take place at the Room to Grow building from 2 – 5 pm. Details below:
Job Posting: HIES Afterschool Programs Assistant and Teen Programs Coordinator
Afterschool programs assistant + teen programs coordinator
A part-time position at the Hornby Island Educational Society.
Seeking a qualified individual to work in afterschool programs 2-4 afternoons a week from late October-May and to coordinate a few employment-related trainings (foodsafe, first aid, etc.) in a fun, supported setting for local teens in the winter/spring.
Relevant qualifications include: a certificate, diploma or degree in a related field &/or significant relevant experience. Criminal record check provided & required.
Wage: $19/hour
Closing date: Monday, October 7th at noon.
Email resume and cover letter to: hies.communityschool@gmail.com
Job Posting: HIES Administrative Coordinator
The Hornby Island Educational Society (HIES) is hiring an Administrative Coordinator.
HIES is restructuring and the board of directors is currently seeking an Administrative Coordinator to work 5-8 hours per month.
This position is 80% (maybe even 87%) bookkeeping.
On a monthly basis the HIES Administrative Coordinator will be responsible for:
- Collecting bookkeeping spreadsheets from HIES program coordinators;
- Conducting bank reconciliations for each program;
- Communicating about any discrepancies;
- Amalgamating the program-level bookkeeping into Quickbooks Online;
- Running monthly payroll though Quickbooks Online;
- Issuing Charitable Tax Receipts;
- Preparing basic reports for the board;
- Maintaining necessary files; and
- Billing each HIES program for the above services, based on time required.
On a yearly basis, the HIES Administrative Coordinator will also be responsible for:
- Liaising with the accountant who prepares the year-end financial report (fiscal year-end June 30th);
- Ensuring that board has the information it needs for the Annual General Meeting;
- Filing the Charitable Tax Return (before December 31st);
- Any other necessary filings and basic administrative tasks to ensure that HIES remains in good standing as a non-profit society and charitable organization.
The HIES Administrative Coordinator will report to the President of the HIES board.
The HIES Administrative Coordinator will be provided with a well-appointed office in Room to Grow. Friendly people, shared work stations.
Wage: $30/hour
Skills and Aptitudes
The HIES Administrative Coordinator:
- has significant bookkeeping experience in the non-profit sector;
- is extremely well-organized;
- communicates clearly;
- can work independently: meeting deadlines and sending reminders on time, every time;
- has a well-honed sense of humour;
- is willing to start a brand-new position during a time of transition: is willing to assist with setting up systems, even if that takes a little trial and error; and
- whole-heartedly believes in the HIES organizational mission.
Find the full job description here.
Resumes accepted until January 25th, 2019 at 9am at hies.ed@gmail.com
School Renewal Fund
On August 26th, 2018, our beloved Hornby Island School burned down, and we have a lot of work to do. HIES, in support of School District 71 and the Hornby Island Community, has now opened a “School Renewal Fund” for those who wish to donate to our community’s efforts.
The money raised will help cover financial gaps left after the insurance and School District apply their financial resources – we don’t know yet if the entire school has been lost, but it looks bad. Some of the monies will be used in the short-term to support educational programs and transition activities. In the longer term the fund will help support the rebuild of the school in a way that most benefits the kids and the community. The school is a major facility for our small community as well. The School District, HIES, and the Parent Advisory Council will collaborate to prioritize disbursements from the fund. We will regularly update on progress.
As HIES is a registered charity, if you send us your mailing address we will provide donation receipts for any amounts above $50. To donate please click on the button below. Alternatively you can send us a cheque made to Hornby Island Educational Society at 2100 Sollans Road, Hornby Island, V0R 1Z0, or send us an e-transfer to Hornby Island Educational Society at hies.ed@gmail.com. Thank you for your support at this challenging time – Hornby Island and the school will recover and we appreciate your financial support.
HIES AGM October 25, 2017
Please join us for the
Hornby Island Educational Society
Annual General Meeting
October 25th, 2017
7:00pm
In the HI Community School Library
Reports from the many programs including the Kitchen, Community Fund and Natural History Exhibit.
We hope to see you there!
There is a need for new Board directors, please consider offering your time and energy towards this integral organization to our entire community.
Call 250-335-1085 or e-mail hies.ed@gmail.com for more info.
Hornby School Kids enter the CBC Music Contest
Check out the cool video that the Hornby Kids created to show Canada their talent and exuberance.
Food Bank
Please remember to share any extra food and treats that you may find in your cupboards over the holiday season. This time of year is particularly challenging for many and your donations are much appreciated. Call Susan at 250 335 1629 to arrange pick up or drop off. To all of you who donate on a regular basis, please accept our heartfelt appreciation from all of us at The Kitchen and HIES.
The Food Bank operates on Fridays during July, August and September from 10 to 12 noon. For seventeen years the Hornby Island Coop has been a generous donor to both The Kitchen and Food Bank.
