Families,

While some of our school communities have been more directly impacted by the wildfires in Tantallon and Hammonds Plains than others, I know everyone in HRM is connected to this disaster in one way or another. Just as the community has rallied this the past week, so too will our schools.

It won’t be learning as usual tomorrow as we reopen schools. The focus will be on helping, healing and well-being. Students will find a place of familiarity, comfort, and routine. If your child isn’t ready to return, that’s okay too. Please remember that you always have the option to keep your children home. Students will not lose out on opportunities for learning, and no assessments, assignments or other schoolwork will be counted as missed.

School closures

The following schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, June 5:

• Bay View High
• Hammonds Plains Consolidated
• Kingswood Elementary
• Madeline Symonds Middle School

All other schools will be open.

Our Operations Services team has been working to ensure our schools are ready. All schools in and around the local state of emergency zone have been inspected and air filters have been changed. Schools are safe for students to return.

Supports

We know students will need extra care and support for the next while. Each school closed last week has been assigned a support staff team, including a school social worker, a school psychologist, and a SchoolsPlus Facilitator. This team is ready to listen to and care for those in need. Their focus, and top priority, will be on the well-being of students.

If there’s anything we can do to help ease this transition, please reach out to your principal. Our schools are ready to support you.

Please take care,

Steve Gallagher
Regional Executive Director