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Happy New Year, NHS Families and Students!

As we welcome 2026, we hope you enjoyed a restful and meaningful holiday season. January always brings a sense of renewal – a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and to refocus on where we’re headed together.

As we closed out 2025, we were reminded once again of the strength of the NHS community. From the generosity shown during 12 Days of Giving, to the joy of our Christmas Concert, to the daily support families provide behind the scenes – your partnership truly makes a difference. Thank you for walking alongside us in supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally.

At NHS, we continue to be guided by our two “Guiding Stars”: Culture and Community. These values shape our decisions, our expectations, and the care we show one another – especially during important transition points like the start of a new year and the end of Semester 1.

January: A Month of Focus, Reflection, and Growth

January marks the midway point of the school year. It is a time for students to consolidate their learning, demonstrate their understanding, and prepare for the transition into Semester 2.

We encourage families to help students maintain routines, manage stress, and prioritize attendance as we move through exams, assessments, and culminating projects. Your support at home plays a key role in student confidence and success.

Assessment Days & Semester 1 Wrap-Up

Final Assessment Days will take place from Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30.

During this week:

  • There are no regular classes
  • Students attend only for their scheduled assessments
  • These assessments represent essential, cumulative learning

As shared in previous newsletters, Final Assessment Days are not optional. They are a critical part of the academic process and mirror expectations students will face in post-secondary education and the workplace.

We ask families to avoid booking holidays, trips, or appointments during this time, as missed assessments:

  • Interrupt a student’s learning and academic momentum
  • Create inequity when alternate arrangements are requested
  • Place significant strain on teacher capacity and school operations
  • Reduce opportunities for meaningful feedback and closure to learning

As a growing school community, NHS will not be accommodating changes to assessment schedules except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., documented illness or emergency). This ensures fairness, consistency, and respect for all learners.

An assessment schedule will be sent out via a separate email.

Did You Know?
 Research consistently shows that students who attend all scheduled exams and assessment days are 12–15% more likely to meet or exceed learning outcomes and report lower anxiety moving into the next term.

Building Community Beyond the Classroom

Niverville Schools at the Nighthawks Game – Thursday, January 15

On January 15, all NHS classes will attend the Niverville Nighthawks game alongside students from NES and NMS. This event is about much more than hockey:

  • Community Pride: Supporting local teams strengthens students’ connection to the community they live in.
  • Belonging Across Grades: Shared experiences with younger students help build a unified K–12 school identity.
  • Positive School Culture: These moments create memories, joy, and relationships that extend beyond academics.
  • Student Well-Being: Research shows that school-connectedness improves engagement, attendance, and overall well-being.

We are proud to take part in events that help students feel connected – not just to school, but to each other and to Niverville as a whole.

Celebrating Student Creativity: Art Show

Please join us on Thursday, January 29 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the MPR for our annual Art Show.
 Our Grade 11 and 12 students will be showcasing their creativity, skill, and growth through a wide range of visual art pieces. This come-and-go evening is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student voice and talent.

Yearbooks Now on Sale

Yearbooks for the 2025–2026 school year are now available for purchase.

  • Cost: $40
  • Order Deadline: Friday, January 30
  • Important: No extra copies will be available in June

Orders can be placed:

If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Community Events & Updates

NHS Safe Grad 2026 – 50/50 Fundraiser
 Safe Grad 2026 50/50 tickets are on sale now! Every ticket sold helps reduce costs for graduates and supports a safe, memorable celebration. Thank you for supporting our graduating class.

Staff Update
 We extend our best wishes to Mrs. Krcadinac as she begins her maternity leave. We will share updates with families as staffing plans are finalized.

Important Dates – January & February

  • January 6–9 – Grade 12 Provincial ELA Exam
  • January 15 – Niverville Schools at Nighthawks Game
  • January 20 – Grade 12 Provincial Applied Math Exam
  • January 21 – Grade 12 Provincial Essential Math Exam
  • January 22 – Grade 12 Provincial Pre-Calculus Math Exam
  • January 23 – Last Day of Classes, Semester 1
  • January 23–24 – JV Boys Basketball Tournament (NHS)
  • January 26–30 – Assessment Days / Final Exams
  • January 29 – Art Show (MPR) 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Looking Ahead

  • February 2 – PD Day (no classes)
  • February 3 – Semester 2 Begins
  • February 6 – Report Cards Issued
  • February 12 – Winter Activity Day

A Final Word

January is a powerful reminder that learning is a journey – one shaped by reflection, resilience, and strong partnerships. Thank you for your continued trust, communication, and collaboration.

Our doors remain open. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please reach out. Together, we will continue to make Niverville High School a place where everything CLICKS – where students feel supported, challenged, and proud to belong.

Wishing you a healthy, successful start to 2026.

Kind regards,

Paul Grosskopf                    Holly Anderson
 Principal                                 Vice Principal

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