School Newsletter-January 2026

As we move into the winter months, we want to share how decisions are made when a school experiences a power outage. 

Our priority is always to keep schools open safely when possible. A power outage does not automatically mean classes are cancelled – even if it happens during the school day. The decision depends on when power is expected to be restored. 

Here’s what happens: 

• When a school loses power, HRCE's Operations Team contacts Nova Scotia Power to gather available details on the cause and an estimated restoration time.
• Once we have this information, we consider:
• Before school starts: Have buses begun their routes? If so, we wait until students arrive before making a decision. If classes are cancelled, elementary families will be contacted before dismissal.
• During the school day: How close is dismissal? What is the temperature in the building? Does the school rely on power for water or septic systems? These factors, among others, help us decide whether to stay open or close. Often, power returns faster than we could safely send students home. 

If classes are cancelled: 

• HRCE will notify families by email and text.
• Families of elementary students will also receive a phone call before dismissal. 

Deciding to close schools during a power outage is never simple, but safety is always our top priority. We understand that cancellations can be inconvenient, and our goal is to keep students learning in class whenever possible. 

More information about school cancellations for any reason can be found here.

Please share the following with families on behalf of the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

Fast Facts about the Flu Vaccine

• Influenza (the flu) is virus that peaks in transmission in the fall and winter months
• Most people are mildly ill when they contract the flu but sometimes the flu can be serious and require admission to the hospital
• Children under 6 years are at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu
• The flu and RSV can occur at the same time making children more at risk of needing hospitalization
• The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for children 6 months and older to protect against serious complications of the flu

For more information, click here.

Sharing on behalf of Unplugged Canada

Many digital platforms today, including social media, online gaming and AI chat tools, are designed to keep kids scrolling and engaged, often exposing them to addictive features, adult content, and interactions they may not be developmentally ready to handle. 

Below is a resource that outlines some of the most common social media, gaming, and AI chat platforms, helping families better understand the risks, start meaningful conversations at home, and consider delaying smartphones and access to these apps until kids are more developmentally ready.

You can access the full resource here.

Unplugged Canada is a parent-led, national movement advocating for healthier childhoods by delaying smartphones and social media until kids are more developmentally ready. Join thousands of Canadian families choosing to delay by taking the Unplugged Canada Pledge at unpluggedcanada.com/sign-pledge.