Families,

I am writing to welcome you and your child to the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE)! You are receiving this message because you have registered for the Pre-Primary program for September 2023 at one of the following schools:

Grosvenor-Wentworth Park Elementary (GWPE); or
Rockingham Elementary.
This is an update to let you know that the Pre-Primary program for these schools will be offered 117 Kearney Lake Road this fall.

Student enrolment continues to grow throughout HRCE and schools are challenged for space, especially in these catchment areas. To ensure all students have safe, welcoming, and comfortable learning spaces, some changes are necessary for this fall. To learn more about these changes, click here ( see attachment).

We have offered Pre-Primary at this location for various schools in the area for the past three years, and I want to assure you that space is fully designed to support the specific needs of Pre-Primary children. A beautiful park, and green space is just a short walk away. Children can safely explore a naturally wooded area as they become curious, confident, and capable learners. They will be well-prepared to join their home school of Rockingham Elementary or GWPE for Grade Primary.

Transportation

Pre-Primary children will be provided transportation if they meet eligibility requirements. As of June 30, you can confirm your child’s eligibility on BusPlanner. A member of our HRCE Student Transportation Team will also reach out over the summer with details.

This location allows for the entry and exit of school busses. It also offers plenty of parking if families wish to drive their children.

We want to hear from you

I recognize you will have questions about the change in Pre-Primary locations. Our focus now is on ensuring a successful start to the year and we want to hear your input.

We’re asking: as we respond to growing enrolment and make necessary changes, how can we best support your child to ensure their success and well-being throughout this transition?

To collect your thoughts, we’re using an online platform called ThoughtExchange. You can contribute ideas and opinions, see what others have offered, and rate comments. It’s available any time, it’s accessible, and it’s anonymous. Schools will use what you share to create meaningful plans to ensure a smooth transition.

Click here ( see attachment) to get started.

What happens next?

Closer to September, an Early Childhood Educator with Pre-Primary will reach out to you with more information about starting the program this fall. In the meantime, please visit our Welcome to Pre-Primary resource for families.

If you have any questions or concerns, please check first check our Frequently Asked Questions page, which is updated regularly. You can also send us a message at connect@hrce.ca.

We are excited to have you join us this September!

With thanks,

Steve Gallagher
Regional Executive Director
Halifax Regional Centre for Education