Important dates to remember in November
- Sun., Nov. 8: Indigenous Veterans Day
- Wed., Nov. 11: Remembrance Day - No classes PP-12
- Nov. 13-19: Transgender Awareness Week
- Nov. 16-19: Report Cards (High School)
- Fri., Nov. 20: Assessment & Evaluation Day - No classes Elementary/Middle/Junior High ONLY
- Nov. 23-30: Report Cards (Elementary/Middle/Junior High)
All graphics below can be downloaded here.
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day
On November 8, we recognize Indigenous Veterans Day and honour the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Indigenous veterans have made significant contributions to Canada’s military history, serving with courage and dedication while often facing discrimination and barriers to recognition when they returned home.
This day is an opportunity to learn about their stories, recognize their sacrifices and reflect on the importance of ensuring their contributions are remembered and honoured.
We encourage families to take a moment to learn about Indigenous veterans and share their stories with the next generation. Learn more here.
November 11 is Remembrance Day
Each year on November 11, people across Canada pause at the 11th hour to remember. The poppy we wear, the silence we observe and the stories we share are ways of keeping the memory of those who served, those who never returned home, and the lasting impact of war alive for future generations.
In our schools, Remembrance Day offers students an opportunity to explore the meaning behind these traditions and consider what remembrance looks like today. As we honour the past, we also reflect on the importance of peace, kindness and understanding in our own communities.
We invite families to join Canadians across the country in taking a moment to remember
Happy Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. The celebration carries different meanings across traditions, but often centres on themes of light overcoming darkness, good overcoming evil, and hope, renewal and new beginnings.
Celebrations may include lighting diyas (small oil lamps), decorating homes, sharing special foods, exchanging gifts and gathering with family and friends. Diwali is an opportunity to learn about the diverse traditions and cultures represented in our school communities and to celebrate the many ways people find meaning, connection and joy.
We wish all those celebrating a happy Diwali!
November 13-19 is Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on how kindness, inclusivity and understanding help create welcoming school communities where everyone feels they belong. Taking time to learn about experiences different from our own, listening with an open mind and treating others with respect can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day and sense of belonging.
Families can help reinforce these values by encouraging children to lead with kindness, embrace differences and recognize that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Together, we can help create school communities where every student feels welcome, valued and supported.
Planning for Inclement Weather
Did you know? HRCE takes great care when making the decision to alter the regular operations of schools and school buses 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
- Non-bussed 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 the HRCE website
- On Instagram
It’s important to always have a plan in place for childcare in the event of any cancellation. Please remember: As a parent or guardian you always have the choice of whether or not to send your child to school.
For more information on how HRCE manages during inclement weather, visit hrce.ca/families/cancellations.
