Bicentennial School Newsletters & Communications

Phone: (902) 464-2092 | Email: bicent@hrce.ca | Website: bic.hrce.ca| Twitter: @BiHi_School

If you know of anyone that does not have access to this newsletter and other virtual communications (for any number of possible reasons), please ask that they reach out to the school so that we can send home a printed copy with their student(s). Thank you!

April 2, 2024

Important Dates:

April is World Autism Month

April 1 – Easter Monday (no school)
April 2-5 – Report Cards sent home through EduPost (email)
April 4 (am) – Professional Development for teachers (no school for Elementary/Jr.High)
April 4 (pm) – Parent/Teacher interviews 1-3pm (no school for Elementary/Jr.High)
and 5:30-7:30pm
April 14 to 20 is Volunteer Week

April 14 to 20 is Education Week

April 22 – Earth Day
April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day

Preparing for the Solar Eclipse

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is pleased to provide all students in Nova Scotia with eclipse glasses to view the upcoming solar eclipse safely.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, obscuring the view of the sun from a section of the Earth. This event is extremely rare, with the next solar eclipse not occurring in the province until 2079. Nova Scotia will be just outside of the zone of totality for the solar eclipse; for this reason, it is important that individuals have appropriate protection to view this historic event.

The solar eclipse will begin at 3:27 p.m., reaching maximum coverage at 4:38 p.m., and ending at 5:44 p.m.
For more information, visit https://thediscoverycentre.ca/solar-eclipse-solaire/.

Education Week 2024

Nova Scotia’s annual Education Week will take place from April 14-20, 2024.

This year’s theme is Connections to Community and recognizes the work of teachers, student support staff, administrators and Early Childhood Educators who take deliberate effort to enhance and empower their larger school communities, including families and the community at large.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for the impact they have on our students and the outstanding work they do in our school every day.

Parking Lots

Please be mindful when dropping off students to school, as many little ones are walking through the parking lots to get safely to school. The best parking lot for drop-offs is the front parking lot where there is a “drop and go” lane (no parking). The back parking lot is for staff parking, and because there is no thoroughfare it becomes dangerous when parents drive in to drop off students and then try to turn around. Thanks for your assistance with this.

Interested in Becoming a Lunch Monitor?

We are always looking for lunch monitors! A great way to get involved in our school is to work as a paid or volunteer Lunch Monitor. It is a wonderful way to gain valuable experience working with our students while making a big contribution! If you would like to explore becoming a Lunch Monitor, please have a look at the Lunch Monitoring Job Description and Hiring Package on our website and reach out to the Main Office with any questions or to submit your application.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

March 1, 2024

Important Dates:
March 4-8 - Spirit week
March 8 - Popcorn Day $1 per bag (Teachers will collect the $1 in advance beginning Feb. 28 - March 1)
March 11-15 – March Break
March 18 – Assessment and Evaluation Day (No school for students)
March 28 – Chocolate Bar Bingo - 6 to 8pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.
March 29 – Good Friday

Popcorn Day

Bicentennial's Home and School and Student Council are hosting a Popcorn Day on Friday March 8th. Teachers will be collecting $1.00 from students who want to purchase a bag of popcorn starting Monday February 26th to Friday March 1st) to ensure we have enough popcorn bags made up on the day of. The money collected from this event goes towards future events for the student body here at Bi-Hi. Donations are welcome to help provide popcorn to all students.

March Break

Reminder that schools will be closed for March Break – March 11 to 15.
For elementary and junior high: Please note that Monday, March 18 is an Assessment & Evaluation Day. Classes will resume on March 19.

March is Nutrition Month

Did you know? March is Nutrition Month! This is a great time to explore and learn about food. An important part of this is food literacy, which includes having the knowledge and skills to grow, choose, prepare, and talk about food.
Some ways to engage your family during Nutrition Month:
• Get kids involved in meal planning. Ask them to help choose recipes, write out grocery lists and explore grocery store flyers.
• Make cooking a family event! Kids can participate in age-appropriate tasks, such as measuring ingredients or setting the table.
• Enjoy meals together when you are able. Mealtimes can be a great time to connect in conversation.
• Start planning for an indoor or outdoor garden. This is a great way to explore where our food comes from.

Do you know how to raise a concern?

Did you know that there’s a protocol in place to help families contact schools, or HRCE Central Office, when you have concerns about your student’s education or well-being?
• All concerns should first be shared with your child’s teacher.
• If your concern is not resolved, you should then contact the principal.
• If your concern remains unresolved, you can reach out to HRCE’s Parent Navigators who can provide information about a wide range of supports and resources or connect you with the school supervisor.
• If your matter continues to be unresolved, you can then initiate a formal review process in which the matter will be investigated by the appropriate HRCE Directors.
• The final step is for your concern to be passed on to the Regional Executive Director.

Click here to view the Parent/Guardian Concern Policy.

Interested in Becoming a Lunch Monitor?

SAVE THE DATE!

MARCH 28th for CHOCOLATE BAR BINGO! 6 to 8pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.
More details to follow!

Playground Safety

When dropping of students off to school, please ensure that you are not driving onto the back playground. During the winter we need to leave the chain down for snow removal purposes, but the playground remains off limits for regular vehicles. Thank you for understanding.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

February 1, 2024

Important Dates:
February – Registration month https://www.hrce.ca/families/student-registration
February 8 – Jr High Dance (6:30pm-8:30pm)
February 9 – Lunar New Year
February 19 – Heritage Day (No classes)

February is Registration Month

HRCE now accepts registrations for school through an online portal, PowerSchool Enrollment!
Registration starts annually in February for the following school year to ensure appropriate resources are in place for September. Children born in 2018 are eligible for Pre-Primary or Primary and children born in 2019 are eligible for Pre-Primary in the 2023-24 school year.
Need a hand? We’re here to help! If you need support, please contact our Parent Navigators at 902-464-2000.
https://www.hrce.ca/families/student-registration

Interested in Becoming a Lunch Monitor?

Jr High Dance

Next junior high school dance is: Thursday, February 8th. 6:30-8:30
Ticket Sales will be at lunch time Feb 5-8, and will be on sale the night of the dance at the door - $5.00 a ticket.

Bicentennial Home & School Updates

Elementary CANDY GRAMS FOR VALENTINES!
Next Wednesday we will send out a package for people interested in purchasing Candy Grams - Elementary only.
Look for it in the Communications Bags!

NEXT HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING! FEBRUARY 27th at 7pm. (1 hour max!)
Will be on Zoom!
If you are interested, please reach out to the school with your email address and we will send you the link!

SAVE THE DATE!
MARCH 28th for CHOCOLATE BAR BINGO! 6 to 8pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.
More details to follow!

Lunch Expectations (Jr.High)

• Students are to choose to go to the lunch room, or leave the building.
• Once students leave the building, they are not to re-enter until 1pm.
• Lunchroom students can stay in the Lunchroom from 12:05-1PM
• Lunchroom students are welcome to leave at 12:30pm, but then are to stay outside until 1pm.
• IF admin let students in early, students are to remain in the lobby on the red carpets. This only happens IF there is an admin or teacher available to supervise them.

At Lunch, Students are not allowed to:

• Roam the hallways during lunch
• Go to their lockers and hangout at their lockers during lunch
• Hangout unsupervised in washrooms during lunch
• Play on the Elementary Playground if they are in Junior High

Lunar New Year

February 9 is Lunar New Year! It is celebrated in many Asian countries and by people of Asian heritage worldwide. It arrives with the new moon and will be the year of the Dragon. Do you have a story or personal memory of Lunar New year that you might share? Please share your story with us! Our EAL teacher Ms. Brown will create a display that can be enjoyed by the school. (No names or identifying information will be shared publicly, just the stories) Thank you in advance for your participation! Please e-mail brownr@hrce.ca with your personal story of Lunar New year.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

January 3, 2024

Happy New Year! Hopefully families had time to relax and regroup over the break. As we head into January, we are going to try monthly newsletters sent out at the beginning of each month. We will send out updates if needed throughout the month.

Important Dates:

January 2 – First day of classes in the new year

January 27 – Family Literacy Day Reading with your child | Halifax Regional Centre for Education (hrce.ca)

February – Registration month https://www.hrce.ca/families/student-registration

February 19 – Heritage Day (No classes)

PowerSchool
PowerSchool is the student information system used by Nova Scotia public schools. The parent/guardian portal allows you to see your child's grades, assignments, schedule and attendance.

How do I access my child's information in PowerSchool?

Instructions for logging into the portal are available here
A tutorial is available here.

Access to the portal is provided by your child's school. If you need help logging in, please contact the school.

There's also an app for that! (You will notifications about absences/lates on your phone the moment your student is marked abs/late.)

Download the PowerSchool Mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
When prompted for a district code, use WRPB.

Please note: some features are not available on the mobile app, so accessing the portal in a browser is preferred.

Important weather reminders

Did you know? HRCE takes great care when making the decision to alter the regular operations of schools and school busses 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 our website www.hrce.ca
-On X (formerly Twitter) at Twitter.com/HRCE_NS
-On Instagram at www.instagram.com/hrce_ns/

It’s important to always have a plan in place for childcare in the event of any cancellation.

For more information on how HRCE manages during inclement weather, visit www.hrce.ca/families/cancellations.

Check out the new HRCE.ca!

Last winter, we asked staff, families, and SACs for feedback on our website. We used that input to build a new family-focused site that prominently features the information our communities need most.

You’ll notice:

Fewer pages – we deleted outdated information.
A clean, modern look and feel – it’s an easy-to-navigate, user-friendly experience.
Significantly improved accessibility – this is better for our community members who use screen readers and translation services.

What is Pre-Primary?

Pre-Primary is about developing life readiness skills through exploration, curiosity and play!

The universal play-based program is available to families in every HRCE community. It supports each child’s overall development and lays the foundation for school success and lifelong learning.

Pre-Primary is voluntary: children do not have to attend before starting Grade Primary. It's also flexible to your family's needs and children can attend full or part time. Hours for the program are the same as the school day, which is approximately six hours.

Pre-Primary offers an environment that is inclusive and respectful of diversity, where the child and family are at the centre.

To learn more about Pre-Primary, click here.

Yours in Education,

Tara Rutledge

Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

December 17, 2023

Important Dates:

December 20 – Last school day before the holiday break!
December 21 – January 1 – Holiday Break
January 2 – First day of classes in the new year

Food Drive for FEEDNS

With Food Insecurity presently at an all-time high, the Citizenship 9 classes will be hosting a school-wide Food Drive for FEEDNS. Starting Friday, Dec1st to Dec 18th, all students will be encouraged to donate non-perishables. FEEDNS boxes have been distributed to each class.
A prize basket put together by Cit9 students and Dollarama will be awarded to the class with the most donations!
-Ms. Cameron

HRCE is always hiring!

Did you know that HRCE has nearly 12,000 employees serving more than 58,000 students?
Our job postings are updated every Wednesday at noon and feature a wide variety of career opportunities!
As HRCE grows, so does our staff. Add yourself to a world of learning! Check out new opportunities weekly at www.myhrce.ca/jobs.

SchoolsPlus is here to support you

SchoolsPlus is a confidential, free service available in every school in Nova Scotia. Our goal is to build positive relationships between families, schools, and communities. We can help students with what they need to succeed – from home, to school, and back again! For more information, email schoolsplus@hrce.ca.

Junior High Lunch:

We are requesting that jr. high students keep away from the elementary playground during lunchtime. Too many have been hanging out on the elementary playground making it challenging for our lunch monitors to monitor the elementary students.
As the weather becomes colder and messier, jr. high students may wish to utilize the lunch room. Students are welcome to stay in the lunch room for the entire lunch, but if they leave they will only be allowed back in the building once the bell rings at 1pm.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

December 10, 2023

Important Dates:

December 14 – Elementary Holiday Concerts 1:30pm and 6:00pm (see below for details)
December 20 – Last school day before the holiday break!
December 21 – January 1 – Holiday Break
January 2 – First day of classes in the new year

Food Drive for FEEDNS

Elementary Holiday Concert:

The concert is scheduled for DECEMBER 14TH at 1:30pm and 6:00 PM in the gymnasium. There is a maximum of two guests per household for the 6:00pm show (tickets will be sent home Monday), but our afternoon show is intended for extended family and friends, and seating will be first come, first served until we reach capacity in the gymnasium. This year’s show is titled “We Are Shining: A Celebration Through Song”. We will be celebrating ourselves and each other to welcome the end of 2023 with positivity and joy!

HRCE is always hiring!

SchoolsPlus is here to support you

Junior High Lunch:

Junior High Spirt Week (Dec.11-15):

Monday: Holiday Headwear & Sweaters
Tuesday: Twin Day
Wednesday: Support your team! Wear a jersey/hat
Thursday: Teachers dress as students/students dress as teachers
Friday: PJ Day

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

December 3, 2023

Important Dates:

December 4 – Professional Learning Day – No classes for students
December 14 – Elementary Holiday Concerts 1:30pm and 6:00pm (see below for details)
December 20 – Last school day before the holiday break!
December 21 – January 1 – Holiday Break
January 2 – First day of classes in the new year

Food Drive for FEEDNS:

With Food Insecurity presently at an all-time high, the Citizenship 9 classes will be hosting a school-wide Food Drive for FEEDNS. Starting this Friday, Dec1st to Dec 18th, all students will be encouraged to donate non-perishables. FEEDNS boxes have been distributed to each class on Friday, and a few Grade 9 students have given classes a brief presentation on non-perishable food items and the importance of food security during the holidays.
A prize basket put together by Cit9 students and Dollarama will be awarded to the class with the most donations!
-Ms. Cameron

Elementary Holiday Concert:

The concert is scheduled for DECEMBER 14TH at 1:30pm and 6:00 PM in the gymnasium. There is a maximum of two guests per household for the 6:00pm show (tickets will be sent home prior to the concert), but our afternoon show is intended for extended family and friends, and seating will be first come, first served until we reach capacity in the gymnasium. This year’s show is titled “We Are Shining: A Celebration Through Song”. We will be celebrating ourselves and each other to welcome the end of 2023 with positivity and joy!

Scholastic Book Fair:

Mr. Thomson is hosting the Scholastic Book Fair again this Wednesday and Thursday. Students can stop in on those days to purchase a book (or two).

HRCE is always hiring!

SchoolsPlus is here to support you

Junior High Lunch:

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

November 26, 2023

Important Dates:
November 27 – SAC/H&S 6pm
December 4 – Professional Learning Day – No classes for students
December 14 – Holiday Concert

Holiday Concert:
The concert is scheduled for DECEMBER 14TH at 6:00 PM in the gymnasium. Additional information about arrival, attire, and a programme will be sent home in the coming weeks. Currently, there is a maximum of two guests per household. This year’s show is titled “We Are Shining: A Celebration Through Song”. We will be celebrating ourselves and each other to welcome the end of 2023 with positivity and joy!

Scholastic Book Fair:
Mr. Thomson is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair in the library this week. Classes will be able to view and purchase books during their scheduled time. Classroom teachers will have more information tomorrow.

H&S Open Gym Night for Junior High Students:
The Home and School are planning on hosting an open gym night for Jr. High students with popcorn and water on Thursday, November 30th. More information to follow the meeting Monday night.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

November 19, 2023

Important Dates:

November 22 & 23 – Parent-Teacher Interviews (see below for details)
November 23 – PD day/Parent-Teacher Interviews (no classes for students)
November 27 – SAC 6pm
December 4 – Professional Learning Day – No classes for students

Reminders to Students:

Homeroom begins at 8:50, students should be in their own homeroom by 8:55!
After lunch students should be at their door for 1:00. Class begins at 1:05.
Cellphones are to be kept in lockers. Students are not allowed to have their cell phones in the hallway between classes.
Out of kindness to others, please do not wear or spray body mist, perfume, or cologne.

Parent-Teacher Interviews:

Elementary Interviews will be held in person or over the phone on Wednesday, November 22 from 6pm-8pm (some teachers will be available from 5:30pm on), and on Thursday, November 23 from 1pm-3pm (some teachers will be available until 3:30pm). Please use this link to book you appointments for your elementary students: https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/dz4fm
Use the above link for specialists.

Junior High Interviews will be held in person in the gymnasium on Wednesday, November 22 from 6pm-8pm. Parents do not need to make appointments for these interviews as it is a first-come first-serve basis. Teachers will be set up in the gym. On Thursday, November 23 Junior High teachers will conduct 6minute phone interviews from 1pm-3pm (some teachers will be available until 3:30pm). Please use this link to book you appointments for your junior high students: https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/za7p9

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

November 13, 2023

Important Dates:
November 17 - Assessment & evaluation day (elem/jr high only) - no classes
November 22 & 23 – Parent-Teacher Interviews (see below for details)
November 23 – PD day/Parent-Teacher Interviews (no classes for students)

Reminders to Students:

Parent-Teacher Interviews:

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

November 5, 2023

Important Dates:

November 9 – H&S Mad Science Night

November 13 – Remembrance Day observed – no classes

November 17 - Assessment & evaluation day (elem/jr high only) - no classes

November 22 & 23 – Parent-Teacher Interviews (more details to come)

Reminders to Students:

Homeroom begins at 8:50, students should be in their own homeroom by 8:55!

After lunch students should be at their door for 1:00. Class begins at 1:05.

Cellphones are to be kept in lockers. Students are not allowed to have their cell phones in the hallway between classes.

Out of kindness to others, please do not wear or spray body mist, perfume, or cologne.

H&S Mad Science Night:

The H&S is hosting a Science Night with Mad Science on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6-8pm. This will be a show about Air and Movement.

The H&S will serve popcorn and water.

When the Mad Science show is finished, there will be free gym time with a balloon drop and a parachute game.

Girls Basketball Coach Needed:

The deadline to declare a coach is fast approaching. We are in need of a Girls Basketball coach. If you know a community member that would be willing to step up and coach, please have them reach out to Mr. Fisher at nfisher@hrce.ca.

Yours in Education,

Tara Rutledge

Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

October 29, 2023

Important Dates:
November 2 – Photo Retakes/Class Photos

November 13 – Remembrance Day observed – no classes

November 17 - Assessment & evaluation day (elem/jr high only) - no classes

Reminders to Students:
Homeroom begins at 8:50, students should be in their own homeroom by 8:55!
After lunch students should be at their door for 1:00. Class begins at 1:05.

Cellphones are to be kept in lockers. Students are not allowed to have their cell phones in the hallway between classes.

Out of kindness to others, please do not wear or spray body mist, perfume, or cologne.

Dance and Boo-gie Bash:
Big thank you to the H&S for the elementary Boo-gie Bash and Jr. High Dance committee for the wonderful events last Thursday. Everyone had fun!

Photo Retakes:
Retakes will be on November 2, 2023. This date will also be for class photos and an opportunity for siblings to have a family photo taken. If you would like your children to have a family photo taken, please call Ms.Bebe at the office to let her know.

Immunization Clinic for Grade 7s:
This clinic will provide the first round of vaccines to grade 7’s as well as any outstanding vaccines to a small number of grade 8/9.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

October 22, 2023

Important Dates:

October 26 – Jr Dance/H&S event for Elementary
October 27 – provincial conference day – no classes
November 2 – Photo Retakes/Class Photos

November 13 – Remembrance Day observed – no classes

Joint Accessibility Plan

HRCE, along with Nova Scotia’s six other regional centres for education and Counseil scolaire provincial have been developing a multi-year plan to ensure accessibility in public education. This is part of a bigger goal for an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. Click here to learn more.
Last February, Nova Scotian families and staff across the province were invited to review the draft plan and submit feedback. We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed and shared their voice. Your thoughts, ideas and feedback during the consultation were invaluable.
HRCE is excited to let you know that with your input, the Joint Accessibility Plan has been finalized. Click here to see the plan.
Next, HRCE will start to develop an implementation plan for our region. You can expect more updates as we continue the important work of creating accessible public education in Nova Scotia.

Bicentennial Boo-gie Bash

• October 26th from 6pm to 8pm
• Enter through the side door (closest to the Graveyard) on Victoria Road.
• An evening of fun and play for Primary to Grade 6. We will have three different room set-ups; music and dancing; colouring; and a decorate-your-own cupcake station. There will also be glow sticks and a photo booth to take some photos with your friends. Cost for entry: Free. Donations accepted - suggested $5

Basketball Coaches Needed

Bicentennial is looking for coaches for the upcoming junior high basketball season. These programs are not able to run without volunteers. Please contact Mr. Fisher if interested.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

October 9, 2023

I hope everyone had time to spend with people they care for and got to enjoy the nice weather today (Monday).

Important Dates:

October 16 – SAC meeting
October 26 – Jr Dance/H&S event for Elementary
November 2 – Photo Retakes/Class Photos

Welcome Ms.Witty

Our new grade 1/2 teacher, Ms.Witty, starts setting up her classroom tomorrow. Classes will change on Wednesday for all of those involved. Any family affected by the new class were contacted on Friday to notify them of the changes.

Save the Date

First junior high school dance will take place on Thursday October 26 from 6:30-8:30. More information to follow! Our H&S is also planning an event for our elementary students for the same time. Stay tuned for details!

Lunch Supervision:

Photo Retakes:
School photo orders are due tomorrow. Retakes will be on November 2, 2023. This date will also be for class photos and an opportunity for siblings to have a family photo taken. If you would like your children to have a family photo taken, please call Ms.Bebe at the office to let her know.

Late Arrivals:
Students arriving after 9:05am and 1:05pm are considered late, and MUST check in with Ms.Bebe in the front office for a welcome slip. If students don’t check in, they may end up being marked absent even though they are at school.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

October 2, 2023
I hope everyone had time to reflect on Truth and Reconciliation over the long weekend. The weather was great, and many people took part in events throughout the city, or started decorating for fall.

Important Dates:
October 2 - Truth & Reconciliation Day Observed (No Classes)
October 3 – Photo orders due
October 9 – Thanksgiving (No Classes)
October 16 – SAC meeting
October 26 – Jr Dance/H&S event for Elementary
November 2 – Photo Retakes/Class Photos

School Rules
Bicentennial school rules are:
1) Listen to the adults.
2) Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3) Use appropriate language for the learning environment.
4) Use a hall pass.
We use the Caring Schools model to help students follow the rules as it is a preventive and proactive social and emotional learning program that builds school-wide community and develops students’ social skills.
The program promotes positive behavior through direct teaching of responsibility, empathy, and cooperation, creating settings where students feel heard, known, and cared for. Students become intrinsically motivated to contribute productively to a community they feel invested in, and where they know they matter.
Students have been made aware of the expectations and details of the program.

New Elementary Classroom
Exciting news for Bicentennial… we are getting an additional elementary teacher!
Due to our large numbers in lower elementary, we have received a “cap teacher” that will be fill by end of next week. Classes, and some schedules, will be adjusted for Tuesday, October 10 following the Thanksgiving long weekend. This will create smaller class sizes in our lower elementary, which is always a good thing.

Save the Date
First junior high school dance will take place on Thursday October 26 from 6:30-8:30. More information to follow! Our H&S is also planning an event for our elementary students for the same time. Stay tuned for details!

Lunch Supervision:
We are always looking for lunch monitors! A great way to get involved in our school is to work as a paid or volunteer Lunch Monitor. It is a wonderful way to gain valuable experience working with our students while making a big contribution! If you would like to explore becoming a Lunch Monitor, please have a look at the Lunch Monitoring Job Description and Hiring Package on our website and reach out to the Main Office with any questions or to submit your application.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

September 24, 2023

Happy Sunday Bicentennial families! Fall has arrived, and so has the cooler mornings. Students are encouraged to dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.

Important Dates:
September 25 – 5:30pm Home and School Meeting to discuss a Fall Fair: Anyone interested in
joining the H&S or helping with the event are encouraged to attend
September 25 – Cross-country at 3:15pm
September 26 – Terry Fox Walk
September 29 – Orange Shirt Day to acknowledge Truth & Reconciliation Day
September 30 - Truth and Reconciliation Day
October 2 - Truth & Reconciliation Day Observed (No Classes)

YouTube on GNSPES
Google has a restricted YouTube experience for students in GNSPES. Students are not able to create channels, upload content, view or add comments, watch or create live stream events or participate in live chat amongst other things.(Full list of restrictions here https://support.google.com/a/answer/10651918#zippy=%2Cyoutube )
If you give consent for your child to access YouTube with GNSPES while at school, there is no further action required.
If you DO NOT wish your child(ren) to be able to access YouTube to support their learning, or if you would like to change the access that your child had to YouTube last year, please contact your child(ren)’s school principal with their name and GNSPES username by October 6th, 2023.

Terry Fox Walk
This year’s Terry Fox Walk is happening September 26th. Students are encouraged to donate a toonie for Terry. Donations can be brought to homeroom teachers or made online https://schools.terryfox.ca/34323

Water Bottle Program
Students are encouraged to bring in their own water bottles from home, as our water fountains are fill stations and do not have a spout for drinking water at the fountain. For those that forget water bottles, our LC has created a water bottle program.
Extra water bottles are available to borrow on the table outside the LC.
Please sign them out and return them when you are done.
If you have extra water bottles to donate, we will gratefully accept them.

Parking Lot:
A reminder that our parking lot is for staff members, and for the Accessible Bus. The bus has had difficulty leaving the front parking lot after school due to cars parked in spots that block the flow of traffic. The entrance to the parking lot is on Victoria Rd, and the exit is on Thistle St. The spots on the Thistle St. side of the parking lot are for our “kiss and go” drop-offs, and should be limited to 5min parking max.

Picture Proofs:
Picture proofs were sent home on Friday. These are due by October 2, 2023. Retakes will be on November 2, 2023. This date will also be for class photos and an opportunity for siblings to have a family photo taken. If you would like your children to have a family photo taken, please call Ms.Bebe at the office to let her know.

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

September 17, 2023
Good evening, Bicentennial Families. I hope everyone faired well during the weekend’s storm.

Important Dates:
September 18 & 20: Cross country/run club 3:15pm on The Commons
September 18: 3:45pm Male Identifying Soccer tryouts
September 30 - Truth and Reconciliation Day
October 2 - Truth & Reconciliation Day Observed (No Classes)

Guest Sign-In:
In a continued effort to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, all guests entering Bicentennial will be asked to wait in the foyer to be checked-in by our Administrative Assistant, Ms. Bebe, and then once inside the school will be asked to fill-out our Guest Sign-In Log before proceeding beyond the foyer. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Scooters, Bicycles, Rollerblades & Skateboards on School Grounds:
We are asking that students walk their scooters, bicycles, skateboards and avoid rollerblading while on school grounds. Riding has caused for “near accidents” in the past with students both in our Junior High and Elementary. If families could kindly speak to their students about the need to be safe, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Photo Retakes/Family Pictures:
There will be a date for retakes, and an opportunity for siblings to have a family photo taken. If you would like your children to have a family photo taken, please call Ms.Bebe at the office to let her know. More details and a date for these photos to follow.

Scent-Free School:
All students are reminded that BiHi is a scent-free school. Out of kindness to others, please do not wear or spray body mist, perfume, or cologne.

Cell Phones:
Students are reminded that cellphones are to be kept in lockers. Students are not allowed to have their cell phones in the hallway, except in the morning, at lunch, and after school!

Late Arrivals:
If students are arriving late to school for any reason, whether expected or otherwise, please remind them to check-in with our Administrative Assistant, Ms. Nicole Bebe, to obtain a Welcome slip to ensure that their attendance has been recorded accurately so that we are certain that they have arrived safely. Students are considered late at 9:05am.

Safe Arrival:
For student absences, please use the SchoolMessenger reporting system.

You are asked to report your child’s absence in advance whenever possible using one of these convenient methods: (more detailed information sent separately)

-Call the toll-free, interactive telephone system at 1-833-582-6940
-Log into the Parent Portal of PowerSchool: https://sishrsb.ednet.ns.ca/public/
-Use the SchoolMessenger App

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

September 11, 2023

Hello Families,
We had a great couple of days last week to start off the new school year. Below are some things to note as we get into the swing of a terrific school year!

2023-24 HRCE calendar:
This year, we’ve added a downloadable option, which will allow you to add these important dates to your digital calendar for your convenience.
To add the 2023-24 calendar to your Google Calendar, click here.
To download the 2023-24 calendar to add to other calendar applications, including Microsoft Outlook, click here.

Important Dates:
September 14 – Stand Up Against Bullying Day – Wear pink if you can!
September 15 – School Photos
September 30 - Truth and Reconciliation Day
October 2 - Truth & Reconciliation Day Observed (No Classes)

Thursday’s Stand Up to Bullying Day:
Thursday, September 14th is Stand Up to Bullying Day. Teachers and students will be talking about bullying and safety as part of their first day of school. All students are encouraged to wear something pink on Thursday to recognizing the importance of being kind, helping others, and choosing inclusion. Please wear pink to show your support!

Late Arrivals:
If students are arriving late to school for any reason, whether expected or otherwise, please remind them to check-in with our Administrative Assistant, Ms. Nicole Bebe, to obtain a late slip to ensure that their attendance has been recorded accurately so that we are certain that they have arrived safely. Students are considered late at 9:05am.

Safe Arrival:
For student absences, please use the SchoolMessenger reporting system.

You are asked to report your child’s absence in advance whenever possible using one of these convenient methods: (more detailed information sent separately)

-Call the toll-free, interactive telephone system at 1-833-582-6940
-Log into the Parent Portal of PowerSchool: https://sishrsb.ednet.ns.ca/public/
-Use the SchoolMessenger App

Yours in Education,
Tara Rutledge
Vice Principal/Bicentennial School

Attachment(s):

mad_science_show_nov.9.pdf

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