Important dates to remember in November
- Sat., Nov. 8: Indigenous Veterans Day
- Fri., Nov. 7: LHS Remembrance Day Ceremonies
- Tues., Nov. 11: Remembrance Day - No classes PP-12
- Nov. 13-19: Transgender Awareness Week
- Nov. 17-20: Mid-Semester Report Cards Go Home
- Fri., Nov. 21: Assessment & Evaluation Day - No classes Elementary/Middle/Junior High only
- Nov. 24-Dec. 3: Report cards (Elementary/Middle/Junior High)
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day
Indigenous Veterans Day is an important occasion to honour the sacrifices and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Recognizing this day in schools is especially significant, as it provides students with the opportunity to learn about the often-overlooked histories and experiences of Indigenous veterans. By commemorating Indigenous Veterans Day in our schools, we ensure that younger generations understand the vital role Indigenous peoples have played in defending Canada, while also promoting respect, reconciliation, and a more inclusive understanding of Canadian history. This recognition helps strengthen empathy, respect for diversity and a greater appreciation for the many ways in which Indigenous peoples have shaped our country.
November 11 is Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day holds an important place in our schools as it provides a meaningful opportunity for our students to learn about the sacrifices made by veterans and all those who have served in times of conflict. Through ceremonies, discussions and creative projects, we demonstrate respect and gratitude for the freedoms Canadians enjoy. Observing Remembrance Day also helps students connect with Canada’s history and reinforces the values of peace, tolerance and community responsibility.
November 13-19 is Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to strengthen understanding and respect for the transgender community, to encourage inclusivity in our schools and to promote safe environments where all students feel valued and supported. Learn more here.
Learning more about the Student Attendance and Engagement Policy
Did you know? The Student Attendance and Engagement Policy guides our approach to attendance and is in place to support all students.
The policy states that regular, punctual attendance supports academic success, responsibility, and preparation for the future.
Ensuring regular attendance is a joint effort between students, families and schools. As a parent/guardian, you play an important role by monitoring attendance, communicating with the school when your child is absent, and supporting your child’s regular attendance.
What Should You Know?
- Communication about absences
- Schools will monitor attendance and lateness.
- All absences must be communicated to the school, following the school’s procedure.
- If absenteeism or lateness reaches 10% of class time, the school will begin to engage more actively with the student and family.
- If it goes beyond 15%, more targeted supports may be used (counselling, referrals, community supports).
- High school credit requirement
- For Grades 10–12, students must attend at least 80% of class time to earn the credit.
- If more than 20% of class time is missed, and efforts to improve attendance haven’t succeeded, the teacher may recommend “loss of credit.” The principal makes the final decision.
What Can You Do?
- Monitor and encourage punctual, consistent attendance
- Maintain open communication with the school when absences or challenges arise
- Work with school staff to understand supports or accommodations for your child
- Be aware of the thresholds (10%, 15%) and possible consequences (intervention, loss of credit in high school)
- Remember: the policy allows flexibility. If your child has a legitimate reason for missing school, schools are encouraged to take a supportive approach.
Planning for Inclement Weather
Did you know? HRCE takes great care when making the decision to alter the regular operations of schools and school buses in the event of severe or inclement weather.
It is HRCE’s goal to communicate any changes to the regular operations of schools and/or buses as close to 6:00 a.m. as possible. A 6:00 a.m. announcement could be:
- All schools are delayed in opening by two hours and bus pickups are delayed by two hours; or
- All schools are open, but some or all busses are not operating for the day; or
- Some schools (either individually or by family) are closed for the day; or
- All schools are closed for the day.
If weather deteriorates, or is forecasted to worsen throughout the morning, an 11:00 a.m. announcement could be:
- Bussed students will be picked up two hours earlier than their regular dismissal time; and
- Walking students will be dismissed at their regularly scheduled lunch hour.
How will I find out?
- By email to the addresses in PowerSchool
- By text message, if you have opted-in. If you aren’t sure if you have opted-in, text Y to the following number: 978338
- On the HRCE website
- On Instagram
It’s important to always have a plan in place for childcare in the event of any cancellation. Please remember: As a parent or guardian you always have the choice of whether or not to send your child to school.
For more information on how HRCE manages during inclement weather, visit hrce.ca/families/cancellations.
AI and your child's learning
HRCE teachers and staff are introducing students to artificial intelligence (AI) in safe and meaningful ways that build awareness, creativity, and critical thinking. Together, we can help our learners understand how to use AI responsibly and confidently in their education and everyday lives. This informational sheet provides you with starting points for conversations about AI and learning.
Supporting Students and Families: Unplugged Canada Resources!
Please note: this includes an event taking place Nov. 2.
Unplugged Canada is a parent-led, national movement advocating for healthier childhoods by delaying smartphones and social media until kids are developmentally ready. Parents and caregivers are invited to explore resources, take the pledge to delay, and join upcoming parent events at unpluggedcanada.com.
The local Nova Scotia chapter is hosting a free community event for parents, caregivers and educators.
Unplugged Together: Raising Connected Kids in a Digital World
Learn about the latest research on how smartphones are impacting kids, safer alternatives to consider and tools to navigate the digital world with your family.
Hammonds Plains Community Centre (virtual/zoom option available)
Sunday, November 2, 2025
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register: https://UnpluggedTogether.eventbrite.ca