Celebrate African Heritage Month!

February is African Heritage Month! This year's theme, Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, recognizes the resiliency, strength, and determination of people of African descent from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia – with the Atlantic Ocean being the everlasting connection. Learn more here.

Looking for ways to recognize and celebrate African Heritage Month?
• Attend events happening throughout the month at your local Halifax Public Library.
• While you’re at the library, borrow books that will inspire the whole family to learn more about African heritage.
• Visit local heritage sites, such as the Black Cultural Centre, the Africville Museum, and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.

February is Registration Month!

Effective February 1, 2023, we will be accepting registrations for the 2023-2024 school year  through our new online portal, PowerSchool Enrollment.!
Tip: Before you begin, make sure you have the following documents in electronic form (image, PDF or Word document):
• Proof of identity/age with one of the following: birth certificate, passport, immigration papers, or legal adoption papers) if you are new to the HRCE;
• Proof of home address (a recently dated official government or utility document with your current address that includes your name and date, such as water bill, power bill, internet bill, home fuel bill, a tax receipt, property assessment or a mortgage contract); and
• Nova Scotia Health Card or Canadian Province Health Card or, for non-citizens while in Canada, proof of Medical Insurance Information.

Visit the HRCE website for more information and to enrol your child today!

Don’t have a child to register? Maybe you know someone who does! Please help us spread the word and pass this information on to friends, neighbours or relatives who will be looking to register for the fall.

Slow down in school zones

To ensure our students’ safety, here are a few reminders for drivers navigating school zones.
• Follow school zone speed limits whenever children are present. This always applies, not just during school hours.
• Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time.
• Remember to stop whenever you approach a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, regardless of the direction of travel or which lane the bus is in.
• Give yourself extra time during your morning commute.
• Always watch for pedestrians. There are more kids walking, riding, and getting dropped off in school zones.
• Always obey crossing guards.
• Avoid distractions while driving.
Source

February 20 is Heritage Day

This year’s Heritage Day honours Elder Rita (Bernard) Joe, a member of the We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq Community and published author, who was instrumental in paving the way for other Mi’kmaq authors. Her greatest wish was to see more writings come from her people and “that the children would read it.” Learn more here.

Reminder that there are no classes on Monday, February 20 in honour of Heritage Day.

Cannabis caution for families

Cannabis products can look like regular food such as baked goods, chocolate, or candy. As a result, children are potentially at risk of poisoning from unintentional cannabis consumption. In fact, in 2021, the IWK Poison Centre recorded an 83% increase in the number of cases regarding children eating cannabis edibles—a trend that continues to increase every year since legalization.

Here are some resources to help keep children safe:
• IWK Child Safety Link tips
• Cannabis Talk Kit: How to talk with your teen
• Be in the Know: Talking with Youth about Cannabis
• Cannabis information for caregivers
• Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs: Know the facts