Good Afternoon Park West Families,
While we know parents may be eager for a return to routine, we’re sure many students still have both feet firmly planted in summer vacation for a few more days!
My name is Rachael Webster, and I am very excited to be joining the Park West school community as Principal. Although this is my first year with you, I have been an educator in HRCE for 28 years, serving in a variety of roles including vice principal and principal. I’m especially happy to be returning to the Halifax West family of schools—it feels a bit like coming home.
I believe schools thrive when we work together. Education is a true partnership between staff, families, and the wider community. By being collaborative, open, and ready to listen, I know we can find solutions to challenges and create rich learning experiences for our students.
I am looking forward to getting to know our students, staff, and families, and to working alongside you to celebrate successes and support one another. Together, we can build a school where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.
We can’t wait to meet you and begin this exciting year together!
To help with preparations for the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, we’ve included important reminders and information below. For some families, much of this may be familiar, but it’s always helpful to have a refresher.
General Reminders
- Staggered Entry & Start Times:
Classes begin on Thursday, September 4. Supervision starts at 7:55 a.m., and all students should arrive between 7:55–8:05 a.m.- Grades 6–9 may enter the building beginning at 8:05 a.m.
- All students must be in class by 8:10 a.m. for the 8:15 start.
- Dismissal is at 2:25 p.m.
- Lunch runs from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., with classes resuming at 12:25 p.m.
- Class Lists:
We continue to receive new registrations, so class lists are not finalized. Lists are created with input from teachers, specialists, and support staff to balance learning styles, friendships, and student needs. As a result, we cannot accommodate requests for changes. Families can check PowerSchool on September 3 after 3:00 p.m. to see their child’s placement.
- Curriculum Night / Open House:
Join us on Wednesday, September 3 from 6–7 p.m. We will begin together in the gym at 6:00 p.m. for introductions. Families and students will then move to classrooms at 6:15 p.m. to meet teachers, learn about the year ahead, and drop off supplies. This evening will help students feel prepared for the first day by knowing their classroom and teacher, while families will also receive information about academics for the year.
Doors For Entry.docx
PW floor plan 2025-2026 for families.pdf
- Lunch Program:
The school lunch portal is now open for ordering lunches beginning on September 15. Families can place orders at nslunch.ca.
- Lunch Monitors Needed:
We are hiring lunch monitors! If you enjoy helping children and are available between 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., we’d love to hear from you. Both full-time and part-time positions are available. Please contact the school for an application package.
- Traffic Loop:
To keep nearly 1,000 students safe, the traffic loop is closed to non-essential traffic during arrival (7:45–8:30 a.m.) and dismissal (1:45–2:35 p.m.).- A school-issued permit is required to enter during those times.
- Families walking children to the building must park off school grounds.
September Start-Up Information
- Families will hear from homeroom teachers on September 3. Please note that due to enrollment shifts, class placements may change until mid-September.
- Attached are a school map and assigned entry/exit doors. Staff will be available to help students on the first day.
- Primary students: Enter through the main front doors. Staff will be outside with signs and lineups.
- Grades 1–6: Use the assigned doors listed on the attached map.
- Junior High (7–9): Enter through the back doors by the basketball courts. Class lists will be posted in the junior high hallways and on classroom doors.
School supply lists for P–9 can be found on the Park West website and posted at the main office.
Provincial Cell Phone Policy
- Grades P–6: Devices may not be used during non-instructional times (e.g., recess, lunch, hallways). Phones must be turned off and stored away.
- Grades 7–9: Students may use devices at lunch but not during instructional time.
- All students: Devices must be kept in lockers (grades 7–9) or backpacks/cubbies (grades P–6). Families may also choose to keep devices at home.
- If you need to contact your child, please call the office at 902-457-7800.
- Policies and consequences will be reviewed with students in September. Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home.
Note: If your child requires personal technology for documented health reasons, please contact administration.
- Food & Nutrition Policy:
A new provincial food and nutrition policy is now in place. As part of this policy, families are not permitted to send treats for classmates (e.g., for birthdays). We ask for your cooperation in supporting healthy practices at school.
Athletics & Extracurricular
- We are looking for parent/guardian volunteers to coach junior high sports teams. If you are interested, please reach out to the school for more information.
Upcoming Dates
- Sept 3 – Open House, 6–7 p.m. (Gym introductions at 6:00; classrooms at 6:15)
- Sept 4 – First Day of School
- Sept 11 – Stand Up Against Bullying Day (wear pink)
- Sept 24 – SAC and PTA Meetings
- Sept 29 – PD Day (no school for students)
- Sept 30 – Truth and Reconciliation Day (no school)
- Oct 13 – Thanksgiving Day (no school)
- Oct 14 – Elementary Picture Day
- Oct 15 – Jr. High Picture Day
- Oct 24 – Provincial Conference Day (no school for students)
We hope you enjoy these last few days of summer. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another year of learning, growth, and memories!
Warm regards,
Park West Admin Team
Rachael Webster (Principal), Andrew Stone (Vice Principal), Abby Ferguson (Vice Principal)