Release:

Earlier today, Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang announced that in-person classes would resume for all students in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) on Thursday, June 3, 2021. 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.
   
• Student transportation will resume. Families can access and review their transportation information at: hrcetransportation.mybusplanner.ca .
   
• The EXCEL Before and After School recreation program will resume on Thursday, June 3. Participant families will receive more information from EXCEL staff.

We are all very excited to be able to close the year with our students back in our schools. We will continue following the same layered approach to safety that has been in place all year. Your assistance in reinforcing the importance of our shared responsibility in following and respecting the public health measures is appreciated.

The best place for our students’ social-emotional development and well-being is in school. We still have 10 percent of the school year in front of us, and I look forward to the impact our teachers and other school-based staff can have during this time in your child’s learning journey.

I want to thank our families, teachers and staff members for keeping our students engaged in learning over the past month. We are truly grateful for their collective efforts.

We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school and in-person classes. By continuing to work together we will ensure the remainder of our school year remains safe, positive and successful for our students.

Source: Release #notw