These are exciting times for the Nova Scotia education system. Here’s a quick overview of recent changes and what parents can expect in the near future
By Elwin LeRoux
On April 1, 2018, the Halifax Regional School Board became the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE). Governing boards were dissolved and we, along with the six other English school boards from across Nova Scotia, became Regional Centres for Education of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD). What does this shift mean for families and members of school communities who are wondering who to contact with questions and/or concerns?
We are still here! Find our contact information online in our staff directory hrce.ca/contact. Our Parent/Guardian Concern Policy also remains in effect. As always, day-to-day operations are being managed by school principals, our regional centre team, and the Regional Executive Director of Education, which is now my title. If you’re looking to get in touch, please reach out.
At the regional level, students, families, and communities will have a greater voice through increased consultation and the important role of School Advisory Councils. I encourage teachers to continue to share thoughts and ideas through the HRCE representatives serving on the Council to Improve Classroom Conditions (CTICC). Teacher insights continue to inform recommendations from the CTICC and have a positive impact in our classrooms.
Provincially, the Commission on Inclusive Education released its final report, Students First, this past spring after a year of study, research, public consultation, and ongoing dialogue with Nova Scotians. The collective wisdom of each stakeholder in public education is what will truly make a difference for students. Look for more information in my upcoming report.
These are exciting times in Nova Scotia’s education system. I look forward to the journey, and I’m excited to share with you how changes are improving the public-school experience for each student.
Here are just a few recent stories we’ve shared:
Talk to me with AAC: Aiden’s Story
How can Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) change a child’s life? This is a story about an HRCE student who is making strides, in school and in life, thanks to a little help from a lot of people, and a “talker.” Learn more about Aiden’s communication journey and the HRCE Student Services team that supported him in this video.
The Impact of Reading Recovery
What are the tangible benefits of Reading Recovery? A strong foundation in literacy is key to a learner’s success in all aspects of life. Reading Recovery is an early literacy intervention program targeting students in Grade 1 who are experiencing challenges in reading and writing. It’s currently available in 54 HRCE schools and is expanding to an additional 20 schools this fall. By September 2019, every elementary school in HRCE (with Grade 1) will have Reading Recovery. It’s a provincially-funded intervention re-introduced in Nova Scotia four years ago and is a component of EECD’s Provincial Literacy Strategy.
In Reading Recovery training, teachers learn how to assess a beginning reader’s knowledge and skills, design individual lessons building on each child’s strengths, design lessons to meet each child’s needs, and collaborate with classroom teachers as Reading Recovery students transition back into the classroom with continued success. Learn more about the impact of Reading Recovery in this video.
What stories would you like to see? What are you curious about? Get in touch!
Opportunity is a product of change. One of the opportunities I’m particularly excited about is building an education system more deeply rooted in what students need to achieve. How do we get there? By engaging with and listening to the people who live and breathe public education each day.
Who do I contact with questions?
Start with your child’s teacher. Follow up with the school principal. If there is no resolution, call HRCE at 902-464-2000.
Each of our schools is assigned an Administrative Supervisor, whose job is to support families and
solve problems. We will connect you with the right person.
