Advocacy
MFIS works directly with the Manitoba Government and the Department of Education to advance the shared interests of independent schools.
Collaboration
MFIS provides opportunities for networking to share knowledge and best practices to strengthen member schools.
Support
MFIS provides professional development and support to help member schools strengthen and stay current in their local contexts.
Benefits of MFIS Membership
1. Represent the interests and perspectives of independent schools to the Provincial Government.
- Meeting annually with the Finance Branch to discuss the present funding received by independent schools;
- Meeting annually with the Minister of Education to articulate the independent school perspective;
- Consulting with Manitoba Education’s Independent Education Unit; and,
- Acting as a resource for Manitoba Education on all matters regarding independent school
3. Support our schools in meeting the growing demand for accountability from the government.
5. Act as a central office for external agencies that prefer to communicate with one office rather than each school individually.
7. Provision of Film Licenses at a lower cost with ACF and Criterion Film Licensing Companies.
9. Provide opportunities to network with other members of the independent schools community.
- Annual Dinner to celebrate and highlight independent Education in the province;
- Professional development events
- Networking sessions
2. Providing quality professional development to independent school teachers and administrators.
- Annual in-service for new teachers;
- Biennial conference for educators;
- Biennial conference for administrators; and,
- Workshops on current educational trends and issues.
4. Communication with other member schools and the general public through a variety of means including the MFIS website.
6. Provide representation for independent schools on a variety of provincial educational organizations.
- Serves as a facilitator for Manitoba’s Legislative Page program;
- Sponsoring partner in the Minister’s Celebration of Excellence in Teaching Awards since it’s inception;
- Facilitator for an Independent School Representative to sit on the Selection Committee for the Minister’s Celebration of Excellence in Teaching Awards; and,
- Serves as member of external committees as an “educational partner” in education in Manitoba.
8. Administration of the French Grants on behalf of independent schools to ensure that all independent schools receive their Basic French Grant monies.
10. Communicate to schools regarding new information relevant to Manitoba’s independent schools.
Mission Statement
The Federation’s mission is to represent the interests and concerns of its member schools. MFIS seeks to accomplish this by meeting periodically with Manitoba Education and Training with respect to legislative, regulatory, curricular and financial matters.
Goals and Objectives
Represent its members at all levels of government.
Strengthen the educational mosaic in Manitoba.
Encourage cooperation amongst its schools, together with related educational institutions, organizations, and departments.
Support its member schools in meeting Provincial regulations and mandates.
Promote the place and responsibility of independent schools in our pluralistic society.
Respect the diverse heritage, culture and faith of member schools.
Foster the pursuit of high moral and academic standards of member schools.
Membership Criteria
- make application for membership in writing
- be a funded independent school located in the Province of Manitoba.
- not operate for profit.
- pay fees annually within 30 days of invoice.
- meet all legislative and regulatory requirements.
- agree with the Mission Statement.
- support the Goals and Objectives of the MFIS Inc.