June 6th, 2023
Dear Shelburne County Families,
While the rain has provided some hope and optimism, we understand fully that there remains a long road ahead for so many of our families. Our thoughts continue to be with you and as a region, our main focus remains on the health and safety of our students, their families and our staff. While we find ourselves in unprecedented times, the amount of support, resilience, and togetherness that’s been demonstrated in our communities is overwhelming.
Below is an overview of our reopening plan. In determining reopening dates, we consulted with a number of partners, including our own staff who provided insights from their home communities. Please note, these dates could change as the situation evolves:
ZONE 1 (Barrington Municipal High School and Forest Ridge Academy):
- Closed up to and including Friday, June 9th.
ZONE 2 (Hillcrest Academy and Shelburne Regional High School):
- Closed up to and including Friday, June 9th.
ZONE 3 (Clark’s Harbour Elementary, Evelyn Richardson Memorial School, Lockeport Schools):
- Reopening to students on Thursday, June 8th, 2023.
In all circumstances, staff will return to schools one day prior to students, to provide time to prepare classrooms and cafeterias, and reach out to families directly to determine if additional supports are needed.
Safety
Schools that are opening have been inspected and no air quality concerns have been reported. They have been thoroughly cleaned and air filters have been replaced.
Support
Please know, it won’t be ‘business as usual” when we reopen schools. The focus will be on helping, healing and well-being. Students will find a place of familiarity, comfort, and routine. If your child isn’t ready to return, that’s okay too. We’ll be here for you when you are ready. We’re committed to working with our schools to ensure our families and staff members get whatever it is they need. No assessments, assignments or other schoolwork will be counted as missed.
Each school that was closed due to the wildfire has been assigned a team of support staff who are available to support any student or family in need.
When students and staff return to schools, breakfast, snacks and lunches will be provided by the region free of charge, for the remainder of the school year.
Please don’t worry about school-based supplies or materials, if your student needs these items please reach out to your school directly.
Transportation
If your family is displaced and your bussing location has changed, please let us know where you are temporarily residing, and we will explore options with you. You can reach the Transportation team at 902-749-5663 or email at bussing@tcrce.ca.
Next Steps
We are continuing to review the number of families and staff who are displaced, along with road closures and restrictions, to determine next steps for schools in Zones 1 and 2. We will provide an update on Thursday, June 8th.
Please take care,
Jared Purdy
Regional Executive Director
Tri-County Regional Centre for Education
