We are only days away from the start of the 2026-27 school year, and our staff is looking forward to welcoming students back to HPCS. We are excited to reconnect with returning students and families, meet those who are new to our school community, and begin another year of learning together.
As we prepare for the first days of school, we want to share some important information to help everyone get off to a smooth start. Please take a few minutes to review the details below. Throughout the year, we will continue to communicate regularly with families and keep you informed about important dates, events, and updates from the school.
Curriculum/Meet the Teacher Night
On Tuesday, September 1st from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, we are inviting families of students in Grade Primary to Five to come and meet their teachers and drop off school supplies.
Pre-Primary will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, September 2nd from 1:00-2:00 pm.
How will I know who my child’s teacher is?
Teachers will contact families by email in the afternoon on Tuesday, September 1st. Please note that we are unable to accommodate requests for class changes.
Changes to HPCS School Day
This year, there are a few small changes happening with our school day.
- Students in grades Primary to Five will be welcomed into the school starting at 8:20am (when supervision begins) and head straight to their classrooms. This will allow students to get settled, access the school breakfast program, and be ready to begin learning at 8:40am. If students arrive at school after 8:40, please sign them in at the office.
- Students will have one of two staggered recess times each day, beginning at 10:10 a.m. or 10:25 a.m.
- Lunch will be from 11:40am – 12:35pm for all.
- Students in grades Primary, Two and Four will eat from 11:40-12:05 and have outside play time from 12:05-12:35.
- Students in grades One, Three and Five will have outside play time 11:40-12:05 and will eat from 12:05-12:35.
First Day of School
We will be welcoming back all our students on Thursday, September 3rd. Please read below for information on how we will be inviting students into school that morning as well as dismissing students at the end of day.
First Day of School Entry
- Students in grades One to Five: These students will be welcomed into the school starting at 8:20am (when supervision begins), and head to their classrooms. Staff will be on hand at the entry doors to help direct them.
- Students in Grade Primary: These students will meet their teachers outside the doors by the playground in front of the school. Once all students are assembled, staff and students will head into the school. We ask all parents to remain outside.
- Students in Pre-Primary: These students will be met at the bus by Pre-Primary staff. Any parents dropping off students can do so starting at 8:40am, as they must be signed in by a parent or guardian.
End of Day Dismissal
- At 2:35pm teachers will take bus students to their line-ups and bring students who are registered in the after-school EXCEL program to their designated area.
- All students who are being picked up can be met by parents/guardians at their dismissal doors. Please make sure to give yourself extra time to get to school for dismissal as parking is very limited.
Student Safety at Drop-Off and Pick-Up Time
As noted, parking on-site and around school grounds is very limited. Student safety during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal is a priority. Please follow all traffic signs and parking restrictions, as improper parking or stopping can interfere with bus arrivals and departures and create additional safety concerns for students.
Please pay close attention to the following traffic measures and restrictions for our school and surrounding neighbourhood:
Student Drop-Off/Kiss and Go
Families dropping off students in Grades Primary to Five may use the Student Drop-Off Area, or “Kiss and Go.” Pre-Primary students are not included, as they must be signed in by a parent or guardian. The Kiss and Go will be located at the side of the school; please follow the flow of traffic that will lead you around the staff parking lot. At the drop-off point, one of the school administrators will be there to direct students out of vehicles and into the school.
Please do not exit your vehicles as this causes major backups in the flow of traffic. Additionally, please wait to let students out of your car until you are in the Drop-Off Area. By working together and following these directions, drop-off should be safe and efficient for all.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping all of our students safe as they arrive and depart each day.
Safe Arrival: 1-833-582-6940
Student safety is our number one priority. If your child will be absent from school, please report their absence by calling the toll-free number above. You can also report your child’s absence through PowerSchool or by using the SchoolMessenger app.
Health Forms
If your child has life-threatening allergies listed on file at school, our Administrative Assistant will contact you by the end of this week. Please fill out the appropriate documents that she will send you and forward them back to her as soon as possible.
Cell Phones at School
The Government of Nova Scotia has implemented a directive regarding cell phone use in schools. Any student with a cell phone will need to have it turned off and kept in their backpack during school hours (including recess and lunch). If families need to contact students during school hours, please call the main office at 902-832-8412.
Cafeteria Service
The NS Government Lunch Program is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8th. Orders for the first two weeks of this year’s program can be placed starting Friday, August 28th, and the first ordering window closes at noon on September 2nd. Please visit www.nslunch.ca for more information.
are looking forward to an amazing 2026-27 school year!
All the best,
Tom Cleary and Ian Mugford
Hammonds Plains Consolidated School Admin. Team