Dear NHS Families and Students,
As we step into Semester 2, we want to begin by congratulating our students and staff on a strong and successful first half of the school year. January was a busy month filled with assessments, reflection, and important milestones, and we are proud of the focus and resilience our students demonstrated.
February represents a fresh start – new classes, renewed energy, and new opportunities for growth. It is also a meaningful turning point, especially for our Grade 12 students, who are now entering their final semester at Niverville High School.
A Special Message to Our Graduates
To our Grade 12s:
These next five months matter. They are a time to reflect on how far you’ve come and to think intentionally about the legacy you want to leave behind. Your leadership, attitude, and daily choices shape not only your own experience, but the culture of our entire school.
To our families of graduating students – thank you for your continued support as conversations around graduation, post-secondary pathways, and next steps become more frequent. Please know that we are here to partner with you every step of the way.
Semester 2: Reset, Refocus, Recommit
A new semester offers every student the chance to reset goals, build momentum, and apply lessons learned from the first half of the year and to learn from our failures. We encourage families to talk with students about:
- Attendance and punctuality
- Organization and routines
- Asking for help early when challenges arise
Strong communication between home and school is one of the most powerful tools we have to support student success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, our counsellor, or administration if questions or concerns come up.
Report Cards – February 6
Semester 1 report cards will be issued on Friday, February 6 and will be available through the HSD Parent Portal and HSD Student Portal.
We encourage families to review report cards together – celebrating successes and discussing areas for growth. If you would like to talk further about your child’s progress, teachers welcome those conversations. Email addresses can be found on our school website.
Cell Phone Policy – Thank You for Your Support
We want to thank students and families for their continued support of our cell phone policy. Since its implementation, we have seen positive changes in:
- Student engagement in class
- Focus and learning time
- Peer-to-peer interaction
- Overall school culture
A reminder that:
- Cell phones are not permitted during class time
- Phones must be stored away and silent
- Phones are not permitted in washrooms at any time
- Use is allowed during breaks and lunch only
Your partnership in reinforcing this expectation at home has made a meaningful difference. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused, respectful learning environment.
Attendance & Punctuality: A Shared Responsibility
Consistent attendance and punctuality remain essential to student success. Please note:
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- Students not present when attendance is taken are marked absent
- Late arrivals must sign in at the office and take their late slip to their teacher who will adjust their attendance
- Arrivals more than halfway through a class (30 minutes) are marked absent regardless of whether they are late.
As outlined by Manitoba Education, we follow a structured attendance support process that includes teacher and administrative contact as absences accumulate. The goal is always early intervention and support, not punishment.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us in reinforcing the importance of being present, on time, and ready to learn.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Family of Festivals – Band Performances
We are excited to see our band students perform as part of Family of Festivals:
- Tuesday, February 17 @ 6:45 p.m. – Senior Band
- Wednesday, February 18 @ 1:30 p.m. – Grade 9 Band
These performances highlight not only musical skill, but confidence, teamwork, and dedication. We are proud of our musicians and grateful to families for supporting the arts at NHS.
Important Dates – February 2026
- Monday, February 2 – HTA PD Day (No Classes)
- Tuesday, February 3 – Semester 2 / Quarter 3 Begins
- Friday, February 6 – Report Cards Issued
- Monday, February 16 – Louis Riel Day (No School)
- Tuesday, February 17 @ 6:45 p.m. – Senior Band Performance
- Wednesday, February 18 @ 1:30 p.m. – Grade 9 Band Performance
- Friday, February 27 – PD Day (No Classes)
- Friday, February 27 – Grad Picture Day
Looking Ahead: June Assessments & Provincial Exams
While the end of the school year may feel far away, we want to highlight some important June dates now so families can plan. The final weeks of June are a critical time for student learning, assessment, and graduation requirements – particularly for our Grade 12 students.
Key June Dates
- Tuesday, June 9 – Grade 12 Provincial Pre-Calculus Math Exam
- Wednesday, June 10 – Grade 12 Provincial Essential Math Exam
- Thursday, June 11 – Grade 12 Provincial Applied Math Exam
- Friday, June 12 – Last Day of Classes for All Students
- Monday, June 15 – Wednesday, June 17 – Grade 12 Assessment Days
- Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19 – Grade 9–11 Assessment Days
These dates represent essential instructional and assessment time, not optional days. We strongly ask families to avoid booking holidays, trips, or extended absences during this period.
Why Attendance in June Matters
- Graduation Requirements: For Grade 12 students, provincials and final assessments are mandatory components for course completion and graduation eligibility.
- Academic Integrity & Fairness: Final assessments are carefully scheduled and supervised. Accommodating alternate dates for travel creates inequity and undermines fairness for all students.
- Student Success: Missing final assessments often results in incomplete marks, increased stress, and limited opportunities for meaningful feedback or recovery.
- Preparation for Life Beyond High School: June assessments mirror expectations students will face in post-secondary education and the workplace, where deadlines are firm and accountability matters.
As shared earlier in the year, we will not be accommodating assessment changes due to family travel. Exceptions are limited to documented illness or emergency circumstances. This approach ensures consistency, equity, and respect for all learners in our growing school community.
We truly appreciate your partnership in planning ahead. When families support attendance during assessment periods, students are set up for success – academically, emotionally, and beyond high school.
A Final Thought
February reminds us that learning is a journey – one that is shaped by consistency, relationships, and shared responsibility. Thank you for the care, trust, and communication you bring to our school community.
Together, we will continue to make Niverville High School a place where students feel supported, challenged, and proud to belong.
Please reach out if you have questions, ideas, or simply want to connect. We are always glad to hear from you.
Warm regards,
Paul Grosskopf Holly Anderson
Principal Vice Principal
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