Returning Student Registration Form
The Returning Student Registration Form (formerly Demographic Updates Form) is available to families from September 9 to October 5. This form is accessed via the Parent Portal and is an opportunity each year to review and update student information and also includes our yearly permissions and consents.

October 1st, 2026

October News

Important dates to remember in October

  • October is Mi'kmaq History Month
  • October is Canadian Library Month
  • Wed., Oct. 1:               Treaty Day
  • Wed., Oct. 20:             School Picture ReTake Day
  • October 1-2:                Yom Kippur
  • October 5-9:                Spirit Week at LHS! 
  • October 8:                   Terry Fox Walk – Fall River All Weather Field walking track
  • October 12:                 Thanksgiving - No classes PP-12
  • October 14:                 Student Council Movie Night 
  • Fri., Oct. 23:                NSTU Conference Day - No classes PP-12
  • October 19-23:           School Bus Safety Week

 

October 1 is Treaty Day

Celebrating andrecognizing Treaty Day is an important way we can strengthen understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and histories. It highlights the significance of treaties as living agreements that shape relationships between Indigenous peoples and the government. By educatin students about Treaty Day, we promote awareness of Indigenous rights and contributions and encourage reconciliation. This celebration helps build a more inclusive and respectful society, where students learn the importance of honouring commitments and working together for a better future. 

October is Mi'kmaq History Month

October is Mi'kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Mi'kmaq people. In our schools, we can honour this month by incorporating Mi'kmaq stories, traditions and teachings into our curriculum. Activities such as guest speakers, art projects and cultural events can help students appreciate and understand the significance of Mi'kmaq heritage. Please join us in offering our respect, awareness and appreciation for the Mi'kmaq community and their enduring legacy. Learn more here.

Fire Prevention Week: October 4-10

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is inviting families to take part in Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10. Visit halifax.ca/fpw to complete an online fire safety quiz. Want to win a Nintendo Switch, Apple products or LEGO sets? Participants who score 100% will be entered into a draw for a prize in their age category.
 

This year’s theme, “Safe Charging is a Superpower,” focuses on the safe use and charging of rechargeable devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power many everyday devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes and power tools. If damaged or charged improperly, they can overheat and cause fires.
 

Visit halifax.ca/fpw for contest details, videos and fire safety resources, and take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms and review your home fire escape plan.

October 19-23 is School Bus Safety Week

Student safety is a shared responsibility! During School Bus Safety Week, everyone can work together to ensure the safety of students on and around the school bus.

Did you know that HRCE has more than 33,000 students who ride the school bus every day? 

School Bus Safety Week is a great time to remind students, families and schools, of a few daily safety tips that everyone can follow to ensure all students get to school safely. 

Bus Stop Safety 

  • Be on time for the bus and please don’t run to/from the bus.
  • Stand back off the road and don't push or shove when waiting at a stop.
  • Always cross in front of the bus. Walk three metres (10 feet) in front of the bus to a point where you can see the driver and wait for the driver's signal to cross. Proceed to the centre of the road, STOP, LOOK & LISTEN and cross the road when it is safe.
  • Never crawl under a school bus or cross the road behind the bus.
  • Know the danger zones around the bus. School Bus Safety 
  • Please respect and listen to the driver and avoid distracting them.
  • Please keep noise levels to a minimum.
  • Do not stand or move seats while the bus is in motion.
  • Never put your hands, arms, feet or head out of the bus window.
  • Ask the driver for permission before you open the bus windows.
  • Do not throw anything inside the bus or out of the windows.
  • Keep the aisle clear at all times when the bus is in motion. 
     

Remember: In Nova Scotia, it's illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

You can find out more information about riding the school bus in HRCE here. 

Growing independence doesn't have to start with a smartphone

As children get older, parents naturally want to give them more independence, such as walking to the park, playing at a friend's house, staying home for a short time, or getting to activities on their own. A smartphone can seem like the obvious way to make this possible, but it isn't the only option.

There are lots of ways families can give children more freedom while keeping communication simple and age-appropriate:

  • Long-range walkie-talkies: A simple way for kids to check in while playing in the neighbourhood or exploring outdoors, without access to the internet or social media.
  • A home phone: Allows children to call friends, make plans or contact a parent when they're home alone.
  • A kids' smartwatch: Some watches offer limited calling or messaging, without the apps, social media and internet access of a smartphone.
  • A basic talk-and-text phone: When children eventually need a way to coordinate rides or activities, a simple phone can provide communication without introducing the distractions and social pressures of a smartphone.

The goal is to match the technology to what children actually need. A child who needs to call home doesn't necessarily need a device that also gives them access to social media, games and the internet.

Starting with a more limited device can give children time to develop the responsibility, judgment and independence they'll eventually need to manage a smartphone.

Explore more resources from Unplugged Canada and join thousands of Canadian families taking the Unplugged Canada Pledge to delay smartphones and support connected childhoods.

October is Canadian Library Month

October is Canadian Library Month, a time to celebrate our wonderful libraries and the Library Support Specialists who support our students. The third Friday of the month is Canadian Library Workers Day and the fourth Monday is Canadian School Library Day. Please join us in thanking our school library workers for all the do every day in creating safe and welcoming spaces, encouraging a love of reading and helping students succeed in school and beyond. Learn more here.