All,

Two hours ago, Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang announced that in-person classes would resume on Thursday, June 3, 2021 for all students in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE). Click here to read the news release.

This decision is based on current epidemiology in the Halifax region and advice from Public Health and pediatricians at the IWK Health Centre. Dr. Strang has stated that schools remain safe places for staff and students. The HRCE continues to follow Public Health guidance as outlined in Nova Scotia’s Back to School Plan.

What do you need to know?

• Today’s announcement means all HRCE schools will reopen to students and Pre-Primary children on Thursday, June 3, 2021.
• Students with complex needs who are scheduled to return to school on Wednesday, June 2, will still do so.
• There will be no at-home learning classes for students on Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 2. These two days will allow teachers and school-based staff time to make the necessary preparations to return to in-person teaching on Thursday.

We will continue to follow the same layered approach to safety that has been in place all year.

We all know that the best place for our students’ social-emotional development and well-being is in school. Ten percent of the school year remains. That’s plenty of time to learn, to reconnect with friends and to be with teachers and school-based staff. This time will make a positive difference for students before heading into the summer break.

Whether you work with students directly or help to keep our system running smoothly from behind the scenes, I am truly grateful for all you have done to support students with at-home learning. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you for your dedication to our students.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure the remainder of our school year remains safe, positive and successful for our students.

If you have questions, please reach out to your principal.

With sincere thanks,

Elwin