Good afternoon families,

This afternoon, Premier Stephen McNeil announced an extension to the holiday break for Nova Scotia schools. The last day of school will be December 18, 2020, which is two days earlier than planned. Classes are scheduled to resume on January 11, 2021.

To read the full news release, click here.

What else happened in HRCE this week?

On Thursday, December 10, Public Health identified a case of COVID-19 connected to Tallahassee Community School. The school is closed for a deep cleaning and to allow for contact tracing. It will reopen to students on Wednesday, December 16. During the closure, staff will support students with at-home learning. Families can expect more information on Tuesday, December 15.

On Tuesday, December 8, Public Health confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 connected to Shannon Park Elementary. A second case was identified on Friday, December 11. Staff has been supporting students with at-home learning during this closure. Public Health is supportive of students returning to Shannon Park on Wednesday, December 16. Families can expect more information on Tuesday, December 15.

Public Health identified a case of COVID-19 connected to Ian Forsyth Elementary on Sunday, December 6. Staff supported students with at-home learning and in-person classes resumed on Thursday, December 10.

Students at Park West School returned to school for in-person classes on Thursday, December 10.

Citadel High School students returned to in-person on Tuesday, December 8.

Students at St. Margaret’s Bay Elementary, Bedford South School, Graham Creighton Junior High and Auburn Drive High returned to school on Monday, December 7. No additional cases of COVID-19 were identified following these exposures.

Please note: the province has launched asymptomatic COVID-19 testing (i.e. testing for people over the age of 16 who do not have symptoms). In Central Zone, you can go to the Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth for an asymptomatic test without an appointment.

In all other zones, appointments are required and can be booked at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca , choosing the asymptomatic option. Appointments can be booked until December 13. For more information: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting .

Nova Scotia’s declining COVID-19 case numbers are testament to the strong public health measures in place – and to the people who continue to follow these important protocols. As we approach the holiday season, let’s continue to do what it takes to keep each other safe: wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance.

Wish you a safe and restful weekend.

Stay well,

Elwin LeRoux
Regional Executive Director of Education