Dear NHS Families and Students,

Four weeks in, and NHS is only getting stronger. September was full of energy, new beginnings, and building routines that set us up for a great year ahead. From our first assembly to Orange Shirt Day, our students and staff showed again what makes this school special. We’re a place “Where Everything CLICKS.” Through strong relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and a culture that values everyone, we create an environment where students can confidently pursue their goals and shape their own legacy.

Thank you for trusting us with your kids and for partnering with us in this work. Together, we’re building a school that’s about academics, but also about belonging, growth, and joy.

Our Two Priorities, “Guiding Stars” (2025–2026)

A quick compass check. These two values continue to lead the way this year:

  • Culture: We build and maintain a school culture rooted in respect, empathy, inclusion, and pride – where diversity is celebrated, voices are valued, and everyone contributes to a positive learning atmosphere.
  • Community: Trust, support, and shared purpose. NHS = not just school, but family. We foster a deep sense of belonging where students, staff, families and our community feel connected, supported, and united through meaningful relationships and shared purpose.

These “stars” guide every decision we make, every policy we reinforce, and every moment we share.

Interim Progress Reporting

October marks an important milestone as students receive interim progress reports. These reports are a checkpoint, a chance to reflect on growth so far and set clear goals for the months ahead.

Families, this is a great opportunity to sit down with your child, celebrate successes, and talk through challenges together.

Celebrating Our Students

At Niverville High School, we want to celebrate our students not only for what they accomplish at school, but also for all the wonderful things they do outside of it.

Whether it’s sports, arts, community service, leadership, or personal milestones, please share your child’s accomplishments with us. 

👉 Click here to fill out the google form

This helps us recognize their efforts, celebrate with them, and strengthen our school-community connection.

Highlights from September

September set the tone for a great year. A few moments worth celebrating:

  • Welcome Assembly: We introduced new and returning staff and set the stage for our guiding stars of Culture and Community along with what is expected from all our students.
  • Orange Shirt Day: Our students showed empathy and respect as we walked with all the Niverville Schools together to honor Truth and Reconciliation. Our students’ leadership and engagement were inspiring!
  • Teamwork in Action: From adjusting to new routines to staff stepping in to support each other during a busy month, NHS showed once again that community is our strength.

Important Dates

Please mark your calendars:

  • Thursday, October 2 – Saturday, October 4: Hockey Tournament @ Morris
  • Thursday, October 2: Soccer Zones (Hespeler Park)
  • Monday, October 13: Thanksgiving Day (No School)
  • Wednesday, October 15: Grade 12 GRAD Meeting 11:45–12:25 (students only)
  • Wednesday, October 15: Grad Parent Meeting 7:00–8:00pm in the school MPR
  • Monday, October 20: Interim Progress Reporting
  • Thursday, October 23: Picture Retakes
  • Friday, October 24: MTS PD Day (No Classes)
  • Friday, October 24 – Saturday, October 25: Varsity Boys & Girls Volleyball Tournament (NHS & CRRC)
  • Wednesday, November 5: Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day (Out All Day)

Attendance & Lates

A quick reminder:

  • If a student is absent and it is not excused, families will receive an automated call and email around 6:00 PM.
  • Students arriving late must sign in at the office, so attendance records are accurate.
  • Parents/guardians can excuse absences via the Parent Portal, phone, or email.

Thank you for helping us maintain consistency in attendance, it makes a huge difference in student success.

Policies & Quick Reminders

  • Vaping/Smoking: Not allowed in school, on school grounds, or at school events. Minimum 3-day suspension for violations.
  • Cell Phones: See our updated policy at nhs.hsd.ca under “Students.”
    • Review of Policy Enforcement:
      “Students found using their cellphones in violation of this policy will be subject to the following consequences: 
  1. First Offense: Verbal warning and confiscation (turned in to the office) of the cellphone until the end of the school day.
    b. Second Offense: Confiscation of the cellphone (turned in to the office), parent/guardian notification, and the cellphone returned only to a parent/guardian OR no parent/guardian pick up and phone is returned to the office for an additional (2nd day).
    c. Third Offense (cellphone stays at home): Confiscation, parent/guardian meeting, and loss of cellphone privileges during school hours for 1 week.
    d. Additional Offenses (cellphone stays at home): In the event of additional 4th and 5th offenses, loss of cellphone privileges during school hours for 2 weeks (4th offense), 3 weeks (5th offense)”
  • Parking: Designated Student Parking spaces only. Reckless driving may mean loss of privileges. Bikes in racks only.
  • Lockers: Use school-issued locks. Keep lockers clean and secure.

Stay Connected

Please check our school website (nhs.hsd.ca) regularly, it’s your one-stop spot for news, updates, and resources.

The HSD Parent Portal is also key for:

  • Report cards
  • Attendance
  • Timetables
  • Fees
  • Permission forms
  • Contact information

Please log in this month to verify student information, re-sign yearly permission forms (Walking Field Trip, Chromebook User Agreement, RUTA), and ensure everything is up to date.

Final Word

We are proud of how our students and staff have started this year, showing resilience, community, and care for one another. October brings important milestones and opportunities to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve set together.

Let’s keep leaning into our “guiding stars” Culture and Community and make NHS a place where every student feels they belong and can thrive.

Yours in education,

Paul Grosskopf    Holly Anderson
Principal                Vice Principal

in: Uncategorized