Dear NHS Families and Students,
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached November already! The energy and engagement in our classrooms and halls continue to make Niverville High School such a special place. From meaningful learning to community events, our students and staff are showing what it means to live out our guiding stars – Culture and Community.
Together, we’re building a school that is not just about academics; it’s about belonging, growth, and connection. Thank you for being such an important part of that journey.
Remembrance and Reflection
November is a time to pause and remember the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to serve our country. Our Remembrance Day Assembly will be held on Friday, November 7 from 11:20–12:25, and families are welcome to attend.
Students have been learning about the history, meaning, and symbolism of the poppy, and about the responsibility we all share to contribute to peace and understanding in our world.
Learning and Growth
First term report cards will be available through the HSD Parent Portal on Monday, November 17. This is a wonderful time to sit down with your child to reflect, celebrate progress, and set goals for the next chapter of the year.
We also invite you to attend our Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, November 20 from 4:30–7:00 p.m. This is a key opportunity to strengthen the home-school connection and ensure every student is supported both academically and personally.
The Importance of Attending Assessment Days
As we move toward the end of the first semester, Assessment Days (January 26–30) will play a vital role in your child’s learning journey. These days are designed for students to demonstrate their understanding through culminating projects, presentations, exams, and reflections, essential components of the learning process that cannot be replicated or replaced.
We ask families not to schedule holidays, trips, or appointments during this time.
When students miss Assessment Days:
- It disrupts their learning continuity – Students lose the chance to complete key assessments that showcase cumulative understanding, often leading to incomplete or lower final marks.
- It creates inequity – Accommodating alternate assessment schedules is difficult in a growing school, where teachers balance multiple classes and limited space. Providing exceptions for some but not others compromise fairness and consistency for all students.
- It adds significant workload and stress – Teachers must recreate assessments, adjust grading timelines, and supervise make-up tasks individually, reducing valuable time for feedback, planning, and support for the class as a whole.
- It reduces preparation for post-secondary expectations – Assessment periods mirror the structure of universities, colleges, and workplaces, where deadlines and accountability are essential. Consistent attendance helps students develop responsibility, resilience, and self-management – key life skills supported by research in adolescent learning and success.
In short: Assessment Days are not optional learning time – they are an integral part of every student’s academic experience.
As a growing school community, NHS will not be accommodating schedule changes or alternative assessment dates except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., verified illness or family emergency). This ensures that all students are treated equitably and that our processes remain consistent and fair for everyone.
Your understanding and partnership in this matter are deeply appreciated. When families support these expectations, students thrive academically and personally, and we build a stronger, more respectful learning culture together.
Looking Ahead – Important Dates
November
- Wednesday, November 5 – Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day (students out all day)
- Friday, November 7 – Remembrance Day Assembly @ 11:20–12:25
- Monday, November 10 – Administration Day (no classes)
- Tuesday, November 11 – Remembrance Day (no school)
- Wednesday, November 12 – Quarter 2 Begins (New Try-a-Trades start)
- Monday, November 17 – Report Cards Issued
- Tuesday, November 18 – Wednesday, November 19 – NHS Post-Secondary Days
- Thursday, November 20 – Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30–7:00 p.m.
December
- Monday, December 8 – Christmas Concert 7:00–8:30 p.m.
- Monday, December 22 – Friday, January 2 – Christmas Break (no school)
January
- Tuesday, January 6 – Friday, January 9 – Grade 12 Provincial ELA Exam
- Tuesday, January 20 – Grade 12 Provincial Applied Math Exam
- Wednesday, January 21 – Grade 12 Provincial Essential Math Exam
- Thursday, January 22 – Grade 12 Provincial Pre-Calculus Math Exam
- Friday, January 23 – Last Day of Classes – Semester 1
- Monday, January 26 – Friday, January 30 – Assessment Days
- Thursday, January 29 (MPR) – Art Show 6:00–8:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 2 – PD Day (no classes)
- Tuesday, February 3 – Semester 2 / Quarter 3 Begins
- Friday, February 6 – Report Cards Issued
Community and Connection
We love celebrating our students, not just for their accomplishments at school, but for who they are beyond the classroom. Please continue to share your child’s achievements, community involvement, or personal milestones through our Student Celebration Form, linked here and available through our school website.
Your stories help us highlight the amazing things our students are doing and strengthen our sense of community and pride.
Attendance and Engagement
Every school day counts. Consistent attendance plays a huge role in learning and confidence. Please continue to communicate absences through the Parent Portal, phone, or email. Your support helps keep our students connected and engaged in their learning journey.
Final Thoughts
As we head into the colder months and the holiday season, I want to extend my gratitude to all our families for the care, encouragement, and partnership you bring. Together, we are making NHS a place where students feel seen, valued, and supported to become their best selves.
Let’s keep communication open, celebrate the small victories, and continue to walk alongside one another as we nurture a strong, connected school community.
With appreciation,
Paul Grosskopf Holly Anderson
Principal Vice Principal
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