What’s happening at Park West School – April 28th
Important Dates
April 29 Professional Development Day – no school for students
May 5 Red Dress Day
May 10-16 Education Week
May 15 Black Excellence Day
May 18 Victoria Day – no school
May 19-21 Grade 9 trip to Brigadoon
May 31-June 6 Access Awareness Week
June 4 School dance for grades 6-9 from 6-8 pm
June 26 Grade 9 closing ceremony at 10 am
Pizza Friday
We will be selling pizza slices again this Friday in support of the grade 9 Brigadoon trip. Slices are $5 each.
Staff Update – Physical Education Classes
Jennifer Kelly will be beginning her maternity leave starting this Friday. We wish her all the very best as she prepares to welcome this exciting new addition to her family.
For the remainder of the school year, her Physical Education classes will be covered by Makayla Landry. Ms. Landry is looking forward to working with students and continuing to support their learning in Phys Ed.
May 15 is Black Excellence Day
Black Excellence Day 2026 in Nova Scotia is an opportunity for schools to reflect on the learning and exploration of Black people and culture over the past year. It recognizes, celebrates, and supports learning from the achievements, contributions, and leadership of Black individuals and communities. More than a single-day celebration, Black Excellence is the recognition of meaningful steps toward strengthening inclusive learning environments where all students see themselves reflected in curriculum materials, through the stories we tell and the histories we honour.
The purpose of celebrating Black Excellence in our schools and classrooms is to affirm student's identities, build confidence, and inspire futures by highlighting role Black people have made in education, science, arts, leadership, and community advocacy. It reflects and celebrates thoughtful conversations in schools about equity, representation, and the ongoing work to remove systemic barriers.
This moment of reflection also invites educators and school communities to consider how Black Excellence is represented within their own classrooms and learning spaces. For some, this may affirm intentional work already underway; for others, it may serve as an opportunity to begin or deepen this practice. Black Excellence Day reminds us that this work is ongoing, and that there is always time to plan, reflect, and be deliberate in ensuring all students see themselves meaningfully reflected in our schools.
We welcome everyone to wear a black shirt, if you’re able, on May 15 to show your support for Black Excellence Day!
Unplugged Webinar on Smartphones, Social Media and More
Unplugged Canada is hosting a LIVE webinar on May 6 every parent and caregiver needs to hear. We're talking smartphones, social media, the research — and most importantly, what we can do about it.
Hosted by Kirsten Sweet, educator and National Program Director with Unplugged Canada with Tania Johnson, Co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology and Dr. Michele Locke, Clinical Psychologist, learn about the impact of smartphones and social media on youth and how the Unplugged Canada Pledge and our resources can spark meaningful conversations in your home, school, and community.
We'll also introduce two new initiatives: the National School Champion Program and Operation Landline — a summer campaign helping families delay smartphones and reconnect in simpler, more intentional ways.
Come ready to learn, connect, and be part of the movement. Register here.
Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey
Engage Nova Scotia is seeking more youth voices in their Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey to ensure this critical demographic is properly represented in reporting. To ensure youth voices are heard, Engage Nova Scotia is asking parents to encourage youth and young adults in their household, who are age 16 and older, to complete the survey.
Take the survey now!
Please email Engage Nova Scotia at survey@engagenovascotia.ca to take the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey. By sharing your story – your day-to-day experiences from affordability and sense of belonging in community to close personal connections and your level of trust in institutions – you can help reveal the full story of your community’s well-being.
You can also learn more at engagenovascotia.ca.
PW Admin
Engage Nova Scotia is a non-profit, independent organization that works with partners to advance the quality of life of all Nova Scotia residents. They believe everyone should be included to share their story, seed their future, and influence change to improve their own well-being and the well-being of their communities. Engage works closely with local municipalities and organizations across the province.
Access Awareness Week - May 31 to June 6
Access Awareness Week in Nova Scotia, taking place May 31–June 6, 2026, is an opportunity to recognize the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and the leadership of people with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Disability Justice: Stronger Together, First Voice Leading Change for Collective Action,” emphasizes the importance of centering lived experience and working collaboratively to create meaningful, lasting change.
In schools, this week is a powerful reminder that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Classrooms are where understanding begins — through learning, conversation, and action. By listening to diverse voices, removing barriers, and fostering accessible learning environments, educators and students help build school communities where all learners feel valued and supported.