What’s happening at Park West School – October 31st
Important Dates
November 6 7-9 dance from 6-8
November 11 Remembrance Day – no school
November 14 Picture Retake Day
November 19 SAC / PTA meetings
November 21 Assessment and Evaluation Day – no school for students
Thank You!
A huge thank you to all the families, members of our leadership team, and volunteers who came out and enjoyed the dance last night! We couldn’t have done it without your support. It was wonderful to see so many of our students and families having fun together. Thank you as well for your patience with the food lines; your understanding was much appreciated!
Picture Orders & Retakes
A reminder that picture orders are due Tuesday, November 5th. Retakes will take place on Thursday, November 14th.
Important Health Reminder
Please help us keep our school community healthy by not sending students to school when they are unwell. If your child is experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or any other illness, we ask that they remain at home until they are fully recovered.
This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures that all students and staff can stay safe and healthy. We appreciate your cooperation and support.
Heppy’s Pies
Thank you for the orders we have received so far. All orders are due on Monday.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go back into the school to help support classroom initiatives, guest speakers and programming, to name a few.
Please ensure proper totals are given as change will not be issued. Orders will be delivered to the school by mid-December. The official date will be communicated once we know how many orders are to be filled. Pies are frozen so families and friends can choose when to enjoy them. They will come in time for the holidays!
As always, your support is appreciated. For more information on Heppy's Pies, please visit www.heppys.com.
November 11 is Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day holds an important place in our schools as it provides a meaningful opportunity for our students to learn about the sacrifices made by veterans and all those who have served in times of conflict. Through ceremonies, discussions and creative projects, we demonstrate respect and gratitude for the freedoms Canadians enjoy. Observing Remembrance Day also helps students connect with Canada’s history and reinforces the values of peace, tolerance and community responsibility.
Planning for Inclement Weather
Did you know? HRCE takes great care when making the decision to alter the regular operations of schools and school buses in the event of severe or inclement weather.
It is HRCE’s goal to communicate any changes to the regular operations of schools and/or buses as close to 6:00 a.m. as possible. A 6:00 a.m. announcement could be:
- All schools are delayed in opening by two hours and bus pickups are delayed by two hours; or
- All schools are open, but some or all busses are not operating for the day; or
- Some schools (either individually or by family) are closed for the day; or
- All schools are closed for the day.
If weather deteriorates, or is forecasted to worsen throughout the morning, an 11:00 a.m. announcement could be:
- Bussed students will be picked up two hours earlier than their regular dismissal time; and
- Walking students will be dismissed at their regularly scheduled lunch hour.
How will I find out?
- By email to the addresses in PowerSchool
- By text message, if you have opted-in. If you aren’t sure if you have opted-in, text Y to the following number: 978338
- On the HRCE website
- On Instagram
It’s important to always have a plan in place for childcare in the event of any cancellation. Please remember: As a parent or guardian you always have the choice of whether or not to send your child to school.
For more information on how HRCE manages during inclement weather, visit hrce.ca/families/cancellations.
Supporting Students and Families: Unplugged Canada Resources!
Please note: this includes an event taking place Nov. 2.
Unplugged Canada is a parent-led, national movement advocating for healthier childhoods by delaying smartphones and social media until kids are developmentally ready. Parents and caregivers are invited to explore resources, take the pledge to delay, and join upcoming parent events at unpluggedcanada.com.
The local Nova Scotia chapter is hosting a free community event for parents, caregivers and educators.
Unplugged Together: Raising Connected Kids in a Digital World
Learn about the latest research on how smartphones are impacting kids, safer alternatives to consider and tools to navigate the digital world with your family.
Hammonds Plains Community Centre (virtual/zoom option available)
Sunday, November 2, 2025
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register: https://UnpluggedTogether.eventbrite.ca
Salvation Army Christmas Support
As we approach the winter and holiday months, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of community support, and how we, as a school, can come together to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they may need during this winter and holiday season.
Winter can be a challenging time for many families, and this is especially true during the holiday season. Please see below for some resources that may be helpful:
The Salvation Army in HRM will begin accepting client applications for our Christmas Assistance Program on October 22, 2025. This program supports families who need help providing gifts for their children during the holidays. For individuals or families seeking only food support, gift cards will also be available. Applications will be completed online, and we have attached a poster for you to share as needed. https://salvationarmy.jotform.com/251875338455972
- Please only complete this application if you are in the HRM.
- Please note that the Christmas Assistance Program is available only to those who are not already receiving holiday support from another community organization.
Pick-up by appointment only. If you need assistance to pick up your item, please let us know.
For questions, you can call 902-422-1598 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.
Registration Deadline: December 5, 2025
Parker Street Christmas support
You can now register online here: https://parkerstreet.org/apply-for-hamper/
- Please do not complete this application if you have applied for support at another agency
For questions, call 902-425-2125 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.
Registration Deadline: November 21st, 2025
NS Home Heating Assistance Rebate
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. You can apply until 31 March 2026. You can receive $400 if you qualify for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program. https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance-rebate-heating-assistance-rebate-program
Eligibility:
To qualify for the rebate, you need to pay for your own home (residential) heat and meet 1 of the following criteria:
- have a 2024 net income of $30,000 or less and live alone with no kids or dependents
- have a combined 2024 net household income of $45,000 or less and live with kids, dependents or other adults (to qualify as a single parent, you need to receive the Canada Child Benefit)
- receive Income Assistance from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development
- receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance from Service Canada
If your personal or financial situation has significantly changed since you filed your income tax for 2024, you still may qualify. Contact the Department of Service Nova Scotia to find out if you qualify.
There are many other organizations in Halifax Regional Municipality that offer food and/or gift support for Christmas. If there is one you are familiar with, check with them about registering for support. 211 will also have some information about certain organizations offering holiday food and gift support programs. You can contact them to see if there are support options in your area. Just dial 211 on your phone or go here: https://ns.211.ca/
Support cannot always be guaranteed, but as long as organizations have resources available, every effort will be made to match your request.
If you require any additional support, or assistance in navigating these resources, please reach out to your SchoolsPlus Facilitator Amanda Logan, amanda.logan@hrce.ca 902-476-0271 (call or text) OR visit the lovely staff at Nova Village, your local Family Resource Centre located at 6 Titus St in Fariview. https://www.novavillagens.com/
Have a lovely weekend,
PW Admin