Superintendent’s Office
December 18, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I look back at the tumultuous year that 2020 turned out to be, I would like to express gratitude to all families, and each of our school communities, for their partnership and support, especially over the last four months. Our students, their families, and our staff have shown kindness, compassion, and perseverance amid difficult times.
Supporting a school system and our families through a pandemic and all the changes that came along with it has been the biggest challenge of 2020. Despite this tremendous challenge, we also have highlights from 2020, which we can be thankful for and celebrate.
- HSD was the recipient of a three-year project titled, Enhanced School-Based Mental Health Addictions Pilot. This program consists of an AFM worker, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse who will facilitate a process for supporting the mental health of our students.
- High-Speed Internet (Wifi hubs) for Learning@Home were installed outside HSD schools to facilitate connectivity.
- Grad Celebrations took place in June (despite COVID) and were well orchestrated and received.
- The HSD Public Consultation on Budget was held via Thought Exchange with 1,253 participants (the largest ever), and feedback from the consultation resulted in increased budget allocation for support staffing.
- Infrastructure has been enhanced with the completion of Phase 2 of the Niverville High School Building Project (drama room and band room) and most recently with the completion of the Mitchell Elementary School addition.
A reminder that beginning on January 4, 2021, Hanover School Division will move back to the Restricted (Orange) level, joining other school divisions across the province. This change will coincide with the provincially mandated two-week remote learning period for all Gr. 7-12 students and those in Gr. K-6 whose parents/guardians have chosen this option. All other Gr. K-6 students, including those in Gr. 7-12 with special needs, will resume in-class learning on the first day of school after the Christmas break.
As we enter into a winter break, unlike any other, families are encouraged to follow current Public Health guidelines in their holiday planning. We are all in this together, and together, we can help keep our students, staff, schools and communities safe. We believe students learn best in the classroom, among their peers, supported by their teachers, and we hope that all students will be able to return to in-class learning soon.
I wish you and your family a restful and meaningful winter break. All the best for a happy, healthy, hopeful New Year.
Respectfully,
Shelley Amos, Interim Superintendent/CEO
Hanover School Division