Important Reminder for Families
Please take a moment to complete the 2025-26 Demographics Update Form, accessible in PowerSchool's Parent Portal. Updated forms must be submitted by October 6, 2025.

September 17th, 2025

Thank you

Evening Families,

Thank you so much for the warm reception this evening.  We are so excited to welcome everyone back.  We hope that the opportunity to walk through your child's morning arrival with them was helpful.  We are encouraging families to start students off on the routine they will be continuing to help in start up tomorrow.  

It is going to be another great year here at Park West!

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. 

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

  • 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.
  • Doors For Entry.docx 
  • PW floor plan 2025-2026 for families.pdf
  • 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 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)

Warm regards,
Park West Admin Team
Rachael Webster (Principal), Andrew Stone (Vice Principal), Abby Ferguson (Vice Principal)