Starting Your Private School Board

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Some you may know that I live in Vancouver, Canada. On days like today, I would rather not live anywhere else. This week we have had clear blue skies and temperatures hovering around freezing. I had a chance to go for walk today and was inspired by the beautiful scenery that surrounds Vancouver - 3 ski skills looking down on Vancouver with dozens of freighters anchored lazily out in English Bay. To top it off, I am heading over to Hawaii next week to work with clients who are starting a private high school. It is like going from paradise to heaven.

My hat goes off to all of you who have the enthusiasm and vision to start your own school and want to give back to your community. As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Today I am going to share a few ideas about starting your first board of governs for your school.

Enjoy the eNewsletter

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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In This Issue

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1. In The News

2. Strategic Planning Services

3. Starting Your Private School Board

4. Products To Invest In

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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1. In The News

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Private School Closes

St. Catharines Standard - St. Catharines,Ontario,Canada

I know the parents really want the school to continue.” But Clark said she’s not optimistic the school will reopen. The single mom is starting to search for ......

To read more click on the following:

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=867080&auth=By+TIFFANY+MAYER

Warning Over Private Schools' Status

The Press Association –

Private schools face losing their charitable status if they operate as "exclusive clubs" for the children of the rich, the charities watchdog has warned. ...

To read more click on the following:

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jEIMD0ru4DqFELLm1trQAIlZZDoA

Oprah Throws Young Sarusha an Education Lifeline

The Times - Johannesburg,Gauteng,South Africa

A POOR Durban schoolgirl will no longer have to worry about her education or where she will get her next meal after being accepted by the prestigious Oprah ...

To read more click on the following:

http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Article.aspx?id=677622

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2. Strategic Planning Services

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Do You Want A Tool To Significantly Improve Your School? Then We Can Help You With The Development of Your Schools’ Strategic Plan. Our Plan is a Comprehensive Approach to Building Consensus and Motivating Support, and Defining Critical Priorities for Your Board and Administration.

Our Proven Strategic Planning System Approach will:

• Define school priorities, reducing weaknesses, and refocusing your resources.
• Strengthen the partnership between Administration and Board, making both aware of their roles, boundaries, and the school’s mission.
• Define benchmarks for success and accountability, creating a huge bull’s eye.
• Analyze critical issues, identify what’s holding you back, and provide a road map for success.
• Improve finances and projections; know where and why you are putting funds in your budget, and help your parents understand your current and future tuition fee increases.
• Energize everyone to get involved and create a shared vision and sense of ownership.
• Build stronger academic and extra-curricular programs or even revitalize them.
• Catapult your fundraising campaigns to the next level.
• Form the criteria for yearly Head and Board evaluations.

Click on the following link to download our brochure on Strategic Planning or call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/heg_strategic_planning_services-1.pdf

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3. Starting Your Own Private School Board

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The role of the board is best understood when each board member accepts and follows the one-voice principle, whereby each board members have the authority to speak in their governance capacity only when attending official board meetings. When the board speaks, it must speak with one voice rather than multiple voices of the individual members.

TERM LIMIT – ROTATION FOR BOARD MEMBERS

The trend seems to be changing bylaws that limit terms:

- Two 3-year terms

- Three 2-year terms

FUNCTION OF THE BOARD

- Determine the mission, vision, core values, and educational philosophy of the school

- Maintain school policies

- Select, evaluate, and nurutre the Head of School

- Ensure financial solvency

- Require periodic audits

- Help represent the school externally

- Serve as the final court of appeals

- Evaluate and improve itself as a governing body

Starting a school begins with a dream, grows with hope and succeeds with hard work of a founding board. If you are up for the challenge, I can be of assistance in making your dreams come true. If you would like more information about STARTING YOUR OWN SCHOOL, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

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4. Products To Invest In

================================

Do you want effective tools that can help you start and lead your own school? These 2 products can help.

(A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). INNER CIRCLE SERIES – DISCOVER FROM THE EXPERTS HOW TO START YOUR OWN SCHOOL (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps

2. 9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School

3. 8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School

4. Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up

5. 10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan

6. The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

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5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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The following are quotes from exams and papers assigned to 7th through 12th students and, for the music section, college students. They were supplied by teachers across the nation.

* When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.

* H2O is hot water, and CO2 is cold water.

* Respiration is composed of two acts, first inspiration, then expectoration.

* Dew is formed on leaves when the sun shines down on them and makes them perspire."

* Germinate means to become a naturalized German.

* A fossil is an extinct animal. The older it is, the more extinct it is.

Smile and enjoy the day.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

P: 604.868.0002 / F: 868.472.8737 / Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

-> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

How To Start A Non Profit for 2008

Hi Inner Circle Member:

It's been a while since my last issue, so I have to officially say, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Not too surprisingly, we started (and still are) our year off with rain – what else do we do here in Vancouver. However, this means lots of snow on our local ski hills; one received over 3 feet the other day.

What an amazing year it's going to be. Can you feel the great energy here in 2008? I'm so excited for what 2008 has in store, and I hope you are too.

If you are like some people (actually 60 percent), you may have made a new year’s resolution. Here is one that I want you to stop holding back on – I want you to pledge to put together the pieces to start the school of your dreams. Stop waiting.

Today I am going to start the ball rolling and share more about how to start your own non profit charitable organization (and school).

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

================================

In This Issue

================================

1. In The News

2. Strategic Planning Services

3. Starting A Non Profit

4. Products To Invest In

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

==================================

1. In The News

==================================

Gates Donates $30 Million to Make Education a Campaign Issue

Bloomberg – USA

``It is very difficult for any special issue to break through, given how cluttered the terrain is,'' said Democratic consultant Chris Lehane, who worked for...

To read more click on the following:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=axlS9ALgtlUg&refer=us

School Makes Life Part of Its Curriculum

Los Angeles Times - CA, USA

In the past at most private and some public schools, this was mostly accomplished through community service for which students receive credit. ...

To read more click on the following:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-vistamar2jan02,1,5159048.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true

==================================

2. Strategic Planning Services

==================================

Do You Want A Tool To Significantly Improve Your School? Then We Can Help You With The Development of Your Schools’ Strategic Plan. Our Plan is a Comprehensive Approach to Building Consensus and Motivating Support, and Defining Critical Priorities for Your Board and Administration.

Our Proven Strategic Planning System Approach will:

* Define school priorities, reducing weaknesses, and refocusing your resources.

* Strengthen the partnership between Administration and Board, making both aware of their roles, boundaries, and the school’s mission.

* Define benchmarks for success and accountability, creating a huge ‘bull’s eye.’

* Analyze critical issues, identify what’s holding you back, and provide a road map for success.

* Improve finances and projections; know where and why you are putting funds in your budget, and help your parents understand your current and future tuition fee increases.

* Energize everyone to get involved and create a shared vision and sense of ownership.

* Build stronger academic and extra-curricular programs or even revitalize them.

* Catapult your fundraising campaigns to the next level.

* Form the criteria for yearly Head and Board evaluations.

Click on the following link to download our brochure on Strategic Planning or call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/heg_strategic_planning_services-1.pdf

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3. Starting Your Own Non Profit Charitable Organization

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For most founding groups that want to start their own private school, I recommend that they develop a non profit framework to operate their school within. But what is a Non Profit? You have heard the term before, but do you really know what a non profit organization is? There are legal definitions and there are common perceptions of what people mean when they refer to an organization as non profit.

A non profit is a tax-exempt organization that serves the public interest. In general, the purpose of this type of organization must be charitable, educational, scientific, religious, or literary. This is a common and broad definition that fits most types of schools. The public expects to be able to make donations to these organizations and deduct these donations from their federal taxes.

Legally, a non profit organization is one that does not declare a profit and instead utilizes all revenues available to benefit the organization. Non profits can be either unincorporated or incorporated. An unincorporated non profit is somewhat rare for while it can be given federal tax-exempt status or the designation of being a 501(c)(3) organization (Organizations that are non profit entities to which contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law) as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, it does not enjoy the legal protection a corporation provides, and this is important to those on the board of a non profit. When a non profit organization is incorporated, it shares many traits with for-profit corporations except that there are no shareholders and operating expenses are in service to the public interest.

Once you decide to incorporate as non profit organization and to apply for tax-exempt status, there are a number of steps that you must take. This list can serve as a blueprint and as a reminder of what needs to be done.

1. Develop a clear Mission Statement: It should describe the purpose of your organization, who you serve, and how you do it. You should also create a name for your non-profit, thought it does not have to be the same name of your new school.

2. Recruit Board Members: The state your school resides in requires a firm number of Board members if you incorporate as a non profit. If you do not plan to incorporate, or if it is too early in the process to do that, form an informal Steering Committee to guide you.

3. Hire a Lawyer: A lawyer can help you file your articles of incorporation, apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status, and review your organization's personnel policies.

4. Open a Bank Account: Choose a bank that has experience with new small non profits.

5. Select an Accountant: Set up a basic bookkeeping system.

6. Select an Insurance Agent: You will need liability and property insurance, and human resources advice on worker's compensation, health and life insurance benefits, etc.

7. Write Articles of Incorporation: The articles provide a legal description of your organization and assign power to the Board, to whom you will need approval. You will need these in order to incorporate in your state as a non profit.

8. Draft Bylaws: Bylaws specify how the organization will be run and how the Board will operate. You will need to get Board approval on these.

9. File for Incorporation with your state: The IRS maintains links to state websites where you can find the appropriate office.

10. Apply to the IRS for Federal Tax-Exempt Status. The IRS provides information on tax information for Charities and Other Non Profits.

11. Apply for State Tax Exemption (if necessary).

12. Acquire a Solicitation License: To seek donations.

14. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): You will need this to hire employees, withhold income taxes and FICA. You must apply for your EIN with the IRS before submitting your application to the IRS for your federal non profit status as a 501(c) (3) corporation.

Remember not to re-invent the wheel – many states supply templates and materials to make the process easier. These forms are online and you may even be able to file them online. In addition, most state websites provide a link to the state's non profit corporation laws. You will want to look at these and know how to reference them as you prepare your incorporation paperwork.

Starting a non profit school begins with a dream, grows with hope and succeeds with hard but rewarding work. If you are up for the challenge, I can be of assistance in making your dreams a reality. If you would like more information about STARTING YOUR OWN NON PROFIT SCHOOL, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

================================

4. Products To Invest In

================================

Do you want effective tools that can help you start and lead your own school? These 2 products can help.

(A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). INNER CIRCLE SERIES – DISCOVER FROM THE EXPERTS HOW TO START YOUR OWN SCHOOL (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps

2. 9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School

3. 8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School

4. Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up

5. 10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan

6. The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

================================

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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On a lighter note, here are some rules on bad grammar and syntax.

1. Verbs has to agree with their subjects.

2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.

3. And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction.

4. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.

5. Avoid clichés like the plague.

6. Also, always avoid annoying alliteration.

7. Be more or less specific.

8. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.

9. No sentence fragments.

10. Contractions aren’t necessary and shouldn’t be used.

11. One should never generalise.

12. Don’t use no double negatives.

13. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations etc.

14. Eliminate commas, that are, not necessary.

15. Never use a big word where a diminutive one will suffice.

16. Kill all exclamation marks!!!

17. Use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.

18. Use the apostrophe in it’s proper place and omit it when its not needed.

19. Puns are for children, not for groan adults.

20. Proof read carefully to see if you any words out

21. Spell chequers ms sum word sand other errors.

22. You have been told a million times not to exaggerate.

23. Keep all possible sentences as reasonably short as is practically possible given the usual and normal constraints of having to generally include the full and unambiguous meaning you personally intend within the strict limitations of the structure you may have chosen.

24. Paragraphs should contain a whole.

25. Idea.

26. a sentence should start with a Capital letter.

27. Dashes - only use them for subtraction - ever.

Smile and enjoy the day.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

All the best for 2008,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.
P: 604.868.0002 / F: 868.472.8737 / Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

My Special Gift

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Whew, has another year really gone by? Amazing! I hope that you and your family have had a relaxing Christmas break together and your getting ready to safely bring in the New Year. I had a wonderful time with my wife and kids. To me Christmas is more about the kids and seeing them enjoy the holiday season and as a family to take a break together from our ever busy schedule.

My father, bless his soul, always measured his success at Christmas time -- seeing where he stood financially. Of course he was one of the great generation that went through so much -- the depression, WW II, Cold War, and on and on. However, to me there are other things to measure too.

On a personal level, I had a very special gift that I would like to share with you in today’s eNewsletter.

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay

President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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In This Issue

================================

1. In The News

2. Help Your Board Improve in 2008

3. My Special Gift This Christmas

4. Products To Invest In

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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1. In The News

==================================

School of Rock will soon be in session in Seattle
Seattle Post Intelligencer - USA
Instead, children will receive private lessons on grittier rock 'n' roll during afternoon sessions, with weekly three-hour group rehearsals and a final...

To read more click on the following:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/345402_schoolrock31.html

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2. Help Your Board Improve in 2008

==================================

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance? If so, our full-day governance workshop help your board fine-tune their performance and prime them for the coming year. Please email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

If your board is not performing as effectively as you need, or you want to make it better, you are not alone. Discover a way to help your trustees become an exceptional governance unit – quickly, measurably, and easily. The solution is my…

Click on the following link to download our brochure on

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/Board%20Governance%20Workshop%20%26%20Fax%20Back%20Form.pdf

==================================

3. My Special Gift This Christmas

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If you are like most North American families, you are inundated by commercialism at Christmas time. It is pervasive. I even noted an IPOD commercial that was pushing their +$100 IPOD as the perfect stocking stuff. Yikes!!!

It is hard to find the right balance between commercialism and family values -- finding the right gift to share with someone you love and the time to celebrate life.

However, I received the most wonderful gift this Christmas.

In the middle of December a childhood friend of my mother’s passed away. I too had known her all my life and I made sure that I attended her celebration at the facility in which she had spent the last years of her life. You see she had Alzheimer’s.

It was nice to reminisce with her children who I had grown up with and leaf through her albums of black and white family photos (there were even one of me with my 1960s buzz cut and narrow pants).

I thought while I was at her specialized Alzheimer’s facility I would pop up stairs and visit my Uncle. He has had this insidious disease for over a decade, and aside from a moment of lucidness 4 years ago, he neither recognizes anyone, walks, nor speaks. He is locked away in his world.

Well, truth be told, I had not visited him in this facility and felt compelled to visit him with my aunt and sister. He looked in good health but neither spoke a word or seemed to recognize anyone.

This is where my special gift arrived about 4 days later.

His daughter called me in an emotional phone call to share with me that my uncle (her father) had begun to talk to his nurse at his facility about a little boy and to check with Doug Halladay and his father to make sure the boy was safe. Well, somehow my visit may have triggered something and he began talking and remembering things. To say the least, this was a moment of celebration for his children at Christmas. Will it last, maybe not, but to me this event opened my heart and showed what little gifts can bring to people at this time of the year.

I hope you too had a special gift this Christmas, and wishing you and your family the very best in 2008. I know it will be a wonderful year.

================================

4. Products To Invest In

================================

Do you want effective tools that can help you start and lead your own school? These 2 products can help.

(A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). INNER CIRCLE SERIES – DISCOVER FROM THE EXPERTS HOW TO START YOUR OWN SCHOOL (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps

2. 9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School

3. 8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School

4. Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up

5. 10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan

6. The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

================================

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

================================

WHY GOD MADE MOMS - Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions

1. She is the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. In the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Smile and enjoy the day.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

All the best for 2008,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

Is Your School Prepared For Disaster?

Hi Inner Circle Member:

It is amazing how quickly a year goes by. Christmas is here in less than 2 weeks. At our house we are in full flow with school concerts and community choir events. Last Sunday both my kids sang in a beautiful community choir with over 300 singers on the Orpheum Stage. Now that gets you in the spirit.

My father always gauged his success every Christmas, looking at his achievement and his family. Of course he grew up in the depression and knew what having no money really meant. For me, I gauge my year by how I have helped others make their dreams come true in starting their own school or having helped schools become better learning environments. It is true that I help leaders operate and govern their schools better, but in reality this is to make the school a better place for young people to learn and to be better people, and a safer place to learn.

Today’s eNewsletter is focused on how you can be better prepared to make your school a safer plan and how to plan for life’s unplanned emergencies.

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

================================

In This Issue

================================

1. In The News

2. Can Your Board Do Better?

3. Is Your School Prepared For Disaster?

4. Products To Invest In

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

==================================

1. In The News

==================================

Europe's Most Expensive Boarding Schools

Forbes - NY,USA

Ah, boarding schools. Cold showers, tasteless food and regimental matrons bent on making students' lives a living hell. Not anymore. ...

NGO Works to Improve Muslim Education in Nigeria

Voice of America – USA

"We would want to see skills development within the Almajiri schools. We would want to see boarding facilities developed within the tsangaya schools and ...

How Bad is Education in Hawaii?

Hawaii Reporter - Kailua,HI,USA

Also, those who can afford to send their children to private schools still have to help pay for the miserable public school system as well, even when they ...

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2. Can Your Board Do Better?

==================================

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance? If so, our full-day governance workshop help your board fine-tune their performance and prime them for the coming year. Please email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

If your board is not performing as effectively as you need, or you want to make it better, you are not alone. Discover a way to help your trustees become an exceptional governance unit – quickly, measurably, and easily. The solution is my…

Click on the following link to download our brochure on

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/File/Board%20Governance%20Workshop%20%26%20Fax%20Back%20Form.pdf

==================================

3. Is Your School Prepared For Disaster?

==================================

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?

As a former Head of School, I feel great empathy for schools that have to deal with a crisis. It may involve students being put into hazard on an outdoor education trip, a student seriously harming themselves, an intruder in the school, or a natural disaster putting your students in harms way.

I’ve been Head of a School whose experienced the after shocks of 911, the unexplored perils of SARS, run-away boarding students, and a parent collapsing from a heart attack on campus. These are all very emotional situations that need a calm, responsive, proactive plan to deal with the situation immediately.

And your school needs this too! You need to put together your response plan, so that your students and staff are safe, your community is informed, and your institution can move forward. You need to be prepared for every kind of situation, and have a sequential, logical system in place to move forward.

These crisis situations can catapult students and staff (and parents) to the emotional edge, but you have to have a contingency plan for every event. Schools and non-profits are not immune to disasters.

Here are five tips to get you started toward handling any crisis effectively.

1. Start Now

Most schools will need a disaster to force them to put together a crisis plan. For many schools, the unneeded deaths of the senior students at Alberta’s Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School on a winter outdoor education trip was a wake up call for Canadian private schools. Instead, look at all the scenarios of disasters that could occur to members of your community, within and outside the school, and then begin to put together a flowchart of response steps. Take a look at other schools to find out what they are doing, or what impacted them. Or even better, assign a member of your staff to lead the project.

2. Be Adaptive

When I was the Head of a girls boarding school (yes me), many situations arose where a response plan needed to be put into place. To say the least, even though every situation was different, many of the crisis response steps were similar. It could be a fire in the residence, an intruder on campus, a world-wide catastrophe, or students who decide to run away. You need to prepare for as many as you can imagine, and have a structured system of response. If you can imagine it, it will eventually happen.

3. Develop A Crisis/Communication Plan

You need to take the time to develop a contingency plan for every theme for crisis: physical disasters (earthquake), human (suicide, death), structural (fire), off campus (field trips, overnighters), and on and on. You will also need to develop a risk management program to deal with loss of life, property, and insurance issues. Additionally, your plan needs to include a communications plan, which will involve identifying a spokesperson, developing press releases, setting up a media hotline, and finding a place where you can have a press conference. Within this plan, you will need to set up a flowchart of who to call (staff, Chair, lawyer, local officials, doctor, etc.).

4. Be Prepared to Talk

At every crisis, your community needs to hear from you. Even if it is to say that you have nothing say at this point. You need to fill that void, or someone else will. For legal reasons you may be apprehensive to say too much, but you need to plan to say what you can. Also, remember that first impressions are important, and you are dealing with human emotions, so you need to show that you are concerned, and that you care. Above all else, tell the truth. Misinformation will come back to bite you. Do not put off talking to the media, they will fill the vacuum, and it is far better to provide helpful information. I am not a media expert, but those I have heard talk in this field claim that you need to prepare your key message(s) and return to them over and over. Media want sound bites

5. Provide Media Training

Do not wait until a disaster happens. It never hurts to have training in working with media. You should make it a part of your board and administrative team training. You may have a member in your community who works in public relations or the media who can prepare you for the onslaught of media when a disaster strikes. Even as a process, it will be helpful to you as a communicator.

If you want me to come in to do an assessment of your Crisis Management system and present recommendations call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

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5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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Groaners

1) King Ozymandias of Assyria was running low on cash after years of war with the Hittites. His last great possession was the Star of the Euphrates, the most valuable diamond in the ancient world. Desperate, he went to Croesus, the pawnbroker, to ask for a loan. Croesus said, "I'll give you 100,000 dinars for it."

"But I paid a million dinars for it," the King protested. "Don't you know who I am? I am the king!"

Croesus replied, "When you wish to pawn a Star, makes no difference who you are."

2) Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers. However, all the Swiss league records were unfortunately destroyed in a fire, so we'll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

3) A man rushed into a busy doctor's office and shouted, "Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!!" The doctor calmly responded, "Now, settle down. You'll just have to be a little patient."

4) A thief broke into the local police station and stole all the toilets and urinals, leaving no clues. A spokesperson was quoted as saying, "We have absolutely nothing to go on."

Smile and enjoy the day.

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To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder

Halladay Education Group Inc.
4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8
P: 604.868.0002 / F: 868.472.8737 / Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

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