We want to thank you for an amazing start to the school year! Over the past couple of days, students have settled in smoothly getting comfortable with routines, learning school and Regional Centre for Education expectations, and easing back into the rhythm of school life. We hope the first days have been a positive experience for everyone.
It has been wonderful to see students showing respect for our school community and embracing the importance of creating a positive school climate and culture. A special thank you goes out to our SHS Student Council and to Ms. Doherty, Student Council Staff Advisor, for preparing ahead of time to ensure a welcoming and organized start for all. Your positive energy and helpful support during these first days have made a big difference, and we are grateful for the leadership and school spirit you bring.
Stand Up Against Bully Day – September 11th
Thursday September 11th Stand Up Against Bullying Day. To help send a strong message against bullying in Nova Scotia's schools, colleges and universities, the province has proclaimed the second Thursday at the start of each school year as Stand Up Against Bullying Day.
The inspiration for the day came from the actions of Central Kings Rural High School Grade 12 students Travis Price and David Shepherd who rallied behind a new student to the school who was being bullied simply for wearing pink.
We are asking all students and staff to wear pink to show our support.
Student Fees
Student fees for the 2025-26 school year will be $20.00 and can be paid online or in the main office with cash. Through SchoolCash you will receive an email notification when your child is attached to an item. It would be helpful to create an account at www.schoolcashonline.ca
All student fees go directly towards students and student activities.
https://hrce.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/38724/319/False/True
Emergency Drills
The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority for Sackville High School and the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. We have been implementing several measures as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring our school remains a safe place for our students to learn.
One of the procedures our school will be practicing is a hold and secure drill. During this drill, classroom doors are secured, and the students remain inside the room with teacher instruction continuing. All exterior doors are locked, and no one is permitted to enter or leave the building.
Another safety procedure is a lockdown drill. A lockdown drill follows all the procedures above with one exception. During a lockdown drill, classroom instruction stops, and staff and students position themselves for safety. Windows are closed, lights are turned off and the building is silent. Students are kept inside the school and classrooms when circumstances make it safer than to evacuate.
Just as we prepare our students to properly respond to a fire drill, they also need to be aware of the proper response during a hold and secure and lockdown drill. These drills should be treated with the same level of importance as fire drills. Please be assured that staff at our school will spend time discussing the importance of this procedure with students prior to running a drill. We will also take time after the drill to remind them that it was only a practice and there was no danger. When possible, the Community RCMP Officers may assist us in conducting the lockdown drills just as the Fire Department assists with evacuation drills.
Please take the time to speak with your student about these procedures and reinforce their importance. We practice these drills to ensure our school remains a safe place for teaching and learning. Our first lockdown drill will be on Thursday, September 18th and the hold and secure will be held on Wednesday, September 24th. We will be having a fire drill this Wednesday, September 10th. Please reach out to the school if you have any questions regarding the emergency drills.
We will also be practising other safety drills throughout the year. They will be during the following weeks.
September 8th – 12th – Fire Drill
September 15th – 29th – Lockdown Drill
September 22nd – 26th – Hold and Secure Drill
October 2nd – Relocation Drill
October 6th – 10th – Fire Drill
November 3rd – 7th – Fire Drill
February 9th – 13th – Lockdown Drill
April 6th -10th – Fire Drill
May 11th – 15th – Fire Drill
June 1st – 5th – Fire Drill
Cafeteria Update
Currently, the school cafeteria is not operational due to repairs that are required and currently awaiting completion by HRCE Operations. We know how important it is for students to have access to a fully functioning cafeteria, and we want to reassure students and families that this is a top priority.
School Administration has been working closely with HRCE Operations to ensure the repairs are completed as quickly as possible. As soon as the work is finished and the cafeteria is ready to reopen, we will share that information with students and families right away.
We thank everyone for their understanding and patience as we work through this process, and we look forward to having our cafeteria back up and running soon.
Breakfast and Snack Program
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and students who volunteer their time and energy to make the Breakfast and Snack Programs at Sackville High possible. Your kindness and commitment help ensure that all of our students have access to a great start to their day and healthy options throughout.
Both programs will begin on Monday, September 8th, and are open to all students.
We are so grateful for the volunteers who make these programs possible and encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to fuel their learning and well-being.
Lockers
Student Council will be set up in the main lobby from Sept. 4th – 12th during lunch hour for students to receive a locker. Locks will be provided.
Parking Passes
All students planning on driving a vehicle to Sackville High are required to have a parking pass. Students are asked to see Vice Principal, Mr. Matheson in the main office for a ‘parking application form’. The form outlines the school rules and regulations regarding student conduct in the parking lot. A parent/guardian signature is required.
Stay connected with all the latest news and updates by visiting our school website:
Sackville High School Athletics
A big thank you goes out to our Athletic Director, Ms. Coughran, for her hard work and dedication in ensuring that Sackville High students have access to a wide range of athletic opportunities. Thanks to her efforts, many sports are already up and running, with more seasons just around the corner!
To stay informed about schedules, teams, and upcoming events, please visit the Athletics website: https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/shs-athletics/home
We also encourage students to pay close attention to daily announcements for the latest updates and information on tryouts, practices, and games. Let’s continue to show our Kingfisher pride and support our athletes this season!
Clubs and Activities
We are so grateful to the staff who generously volunteer their lunch hours and time after school to supervise and lead the many clubs and activities offered at Sackville High. Their dedication provides students with a variety of opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and connect with others in our school community.
Students are encouraged to listen carefully to the daily announcements for updates on what’s happening and how to get involved. There’s something for everyone—so don’t be shy, try something new, and make the most of all the opportunities available at SHS!
Important Dates
Sept. 11th - Nova Scotia’s Stand Up Against Bullying Day Wear Pink
Sept. 25th - Curriculum Night 5:30-7pm
Sept. 26th - Orange Shirt Day wear Orange
Sept. 29th – PD Day (no classes)
Sept. 30th – Truth and Reconciliation Day (no classes)
We look forward to a wonderful year ahead together, Go Kingfishers!
With kindness,
The Staff and Administration of Sackville High School