.png "A message to families from Katherine MacIver, Director of Education")
Dear HPEDSB Families,
As we navigate the winter season, I want to acknowledge the impact that recent weather-related transportation disruptions and school closures have had on your daily routines. While it may not be perfect, we rely heavily on forecasts, warnings and local information to determine closures and bus cancellations. We understand that these cancellations require significant flexibility from our families and our staff, and we appreciate your continued patience as we prioritize safety while focused on our responsibilities as public education. I also want to share my appreciation for community partners, including daycare and before-and-after care providers who are impacted by these decisions. We are very hopeful for improved weather ahead!
With regards to our secondary schools, their schedules for final culminating activities have been impacted differently across HPEDSB depending on the frequency of bus cancellations and closure. Please ensure that you are monitoring school communications for school specific schedule changes. Know that all schools will wrap up final culminating activities on Thursday, January 29, 2026. A reminder to all families that Friday, January 30 is a PA day.
Each secondary school has made plans to address the impact of weather and bus cancellations on the final culminating activity schedule to ensure that student term marks are honoured. Any student that is not able to complete a final culminating activity or exam, will have their semester one evaluation based upon the assessments completed throughout the term.
As we conclude this semester and look toward the future, I want to reaffirm our commitment to the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Our mission remains to educate and empower students with the skills for success. Even when weather disrupts our physical classrooms, our focus stays fixed on our core priorities:
- Strengthening Foundational Skills: We continue to prioritize high-quality literacy and numeracy so our students can succeed in work and daily life.
- Adaptability and Innovation: This recent need for flexibility highlights our goal to empower students with the transferable skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world.
- Well-Being and Safety: We are dedicated to enhancing safe and supportive spaces that prioritize the well-being of our students and staff.
- Equitable Outcomes: We utilize data, including credit accumulation and graduation rates, to ensure we are meeting provincial standards and supporting every learner.
Parents and/or guardians who have questions can contact school administration directly for clarification and support.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to keep our school communities safe and learning on track.
Sincerely,
Katherine MacIver
Director of Education
Letter from Director of Education, weather interruptions (PDF)