It’s important to note that most messages will come to you via email as they are informational in nature. 

When there is a disruption to the typical operations of a school day (i.e., cancellation due to inclement weather, a midday* closure due to a power outage, a delayed opening, etc.), messages will come to you via email AND text message/SMS. *Please note: in the event of a midday closure, families with children in elementary grades will also receive a phone call from the school before children are dismissed. 

HRCE’s Central Office does not use the phone message feature for communications as listed above. This function will be used in the event of a significant emergency impacting a school community, at HRCE’s discretion.

Schools communicate general information with families in a variety of ways. Schools will contact families directly by phone or email about an individual student’s academic progress or well-being. Please contact your child’s Principal if you have any questions about your school’s communication home. 

Through PowerSchool and SchoolMessenger, there are two automated systems used to communicate student absences with families: 

• Morning SafeArrival notifications (for grades PP-9)
• Evening attendance notifications (for upper grade levels)

In these cases, families will receive an email, text message/SMS and a phone call to notify them of an absence.

Please see HRCE's Respectful Engagement Guidelines in PDF form here.

Please see HRCE's Respectful Engagement Guidelines in text form below:

Revised: July 6, 2026 

HRCE Respectful Engagement Guidelines: Respect is the Standard

HRCE values collaborative relationships with families and the community. We recognize parents, guardians, and community members as important partners in education.

Collaborative relationships include:

• Respectful communications between staff, families and community members
• Appropriate, respectful language and tone in all interactions
• Adherence to HRCE and school-based processes
• Reasonable expectations for timely responses
• Strong focus on problem-solving and student well-being

HRCE staff are expected to:

• Maintain regular, ongoing contact with families about students' needs and progress
• Acknowledge and accommodate families’ preferred ways of participating and communicating
• Include families as active participants in planning and decisions regarding supports and instructional approaches
• Proactively engage families and always communicate respectfully
• Recognize the difference between challenging interactions and unacceptable behaviours

The following behaviours are not acceptable by anyone:

• Abusive or demeaning language (verbal, written, or online)
• Discrimination
• Acts or threats of violence
• Repeated hostile communication after boundaries are set

When expectations are not met:

• Communication may be paused or redirected
• Meetings (including in-person, online and by phone) may be ended or rescheduled
• Access to staff may be limited or mediated
• Further administrative action may occur

How to raise a concern:

• All concerns should first be shared with your child’s Early Childhood Educator (ECE) or teacher.
• If your concern is not resolved, you should then contact the school principal.
• If your concern remains unresolved, you can reach out to HRCE’s Family Navigators who can provide information about a wide range of supports and resources or connect you with the school supervisor.
• If your matter continues to be unresolved, you can then initiate a formal review process,
  outlined in the Parent/Guardian Concern Policy, in which the matter will be investigated
  by the appropriate HRCE Directors. To begin, complete the Parent Concern Reporting Form
  on page 3 of the Policy.
• The final step is for your concern to be reviewed by the Regional Executive Director.
  Respectful communication is a shared responsibility and supports safe, inclusive schools.