Here are some dates you may wish to know and acknowledge in May:
· May is Asian Heritage Month
· May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
· May is Polish Heritage Month
· May is Speech and Hearing Month
· May 5 is Red Dress Day
· May 11-17 is Education Week
· May 17 is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
· May 25 to 31 is Nova Scotia Access Awareness Week
Important calendar dates in May & June
Here are a few key dates to note in HRCE’s calendar for May and June:
· May 19: No classes for PP-12 for Victoria Day
· June 26: No classes for high school students only for assessment and evaluation
· June 27: No classes for PP-12 for assessment and evaluation
· June 30: Last day of school
May 15 is Black Excellence Day
What is Black Excellence Day? In essence Black Excellence Day is about acknowledging, celebrating, and uplifting Black contributions while fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. The following are ways you celebrate the fourth annual Black Excellence Day:
Celebrating achievements: Black Excellence Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and successes of Black individuals within the community. It highlights the talent and accomplishments within the Black community, ensuring that Black students have an opportunity to highlight all their positive contributions within the education system.
Promoting equity and inclusion: Recognizing Black Excellence fosters a culture of equity and inclusion within schools. It sends a message that all students, regardless of their background, have the potential to excel and make valuable contributions to society. By celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity, schools create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
Education and awareness: Black Excellence Day serves as an educational opportunity to raise awareness about the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black people. It provides a platform to share stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership, helping to combat stereotypes and promote understanding and appreciation of Black heritage.
Empowerment and inspiration: By celebrating Black Excellence, students are inspired and empowered to pursue their own goals and dreams. Seeing examples of successful Black individuals from various fields, such as science, arts, politics and sports, can motivate students to strive for their own excellence.
Community engagement: Black Excellence Day can serve as a platform for community engagement and collaboration. It provides an opportunity for schools to partner with local organizations, leaders, and activists within the Black community to organize events, workshops, and discussions that promote dialogue and understanding.
Overall, celebrating Black Excellence Day within HRCE schools is important for fostering a culture of inclusivity, empowerment, and appreciation for the diverse talents and contributions of Black individuals.
Celebrating Education Week 2025
Education Week 2025, May 11 to 17, is a special opportunity to acknowledge educators, school support staff and partners for their outstanding work. This year’s theme, Empowering Futures: Innovation in Education, celebrates educators who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to infuse innovation into their classrooms and schools.
We applaud educators, school staff, and partners who embrace innovation in meeting the evolving needs of students in preparing them for a rapidly changing future.
Congratulations to HRCE’s winners:
· Alicia Hennessey | Teacher | Lockview High
· Rhonda McLean | School Counsellor | St. Agnes Junior High
· Diana Hatchette | Teacher | John Martin Junior High
· Rosaline “Rosie” Bona | Principal | Rockingham Elementary
· Peta-Gay Clarke | Lead Early Childhood Educator | Central Spryfield Elementary
· Kristin Welbourn | Library Support Specialist | Bay View High
· Phillip Jackson | African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker | Duc d’Anville Elementary & Clayton Park Junior High
· Matthew Hughson | Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Student Support Worker | Sackville High & Leslie Thomas Junior High
Please take a moment, if you feel inspired, to send a note of appreciation to an educator in your child’s life who is having a positive impact!
Homework Hub: Finish the year off strong!
Did you know your student has access to Homework Hub? Finish the year off strong with the help of experienced tutors!
· GNSPES Access: Easy access to online resources and tutoring through your GNSPES account (gnspes.ca) by clicking on the Nova Scotia Homework Hub icon.
· 24/7 Access: Anytime access to video tutorials, practice questions and vocabulary review.
· Bilingual tutors available for students in:
· Grade 7-12 on school nights 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
to learn more about Homework Hub!
Access Awareness Week
Access Awareness Week takes place annually during the last week of May to raise awareness about disability, access and inclusion. This year, Access Awareness Week runs from May 25-31, and the provincial theme is "Our Voices, Our Votes: Disability Rights in Action.”