Good Evening Clayton Park Junior High Parents, Guardians and Students,

There are lots of things happening during the month of February which, are highlighted through this communication.

PowerSchool

All parents, guardians and students are encouraged to check PowerSchool on a regular basis. PowerSchool is updated daily with student attendance. In addition, parents, guardians, and students can check on students’ assignments and assessments. Anything that is blue in PowerSchool provides additional information. Teachers will have updated students’ assignments and assessments in PowerSchool as of Friday, February 2nd. Please reach out to your student’s teacher if you have further questions.

Celebrate African Heritage Month 2024

The theme for African Heritage Month 2024 is "Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians." This month-long celebration is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the history and culture of people of African descent. The theme coincides with the final year of the United Nations' International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024, which aims to promote global cooperation in support of people of African descent, raise awareness, and acknowledge their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.

Nova Scotia is home to more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities with a rich, deep, and complex history that spans more than 400 years. African Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and showcase the culture, accomplishments, and contributions of African Nova Scotians, both past and present.

CPJH students and staff have planned a series of engaging events to celebrate and honor the rich African heritage that contributes to the diversity of our school.

CPJH will be holding a full-school assembly on Friday, February 2nd, featuring Maje, a talented Hip-hop and spoken word artist from the vibrant community of East Preston. Maje will share his insights, experiences, and artistic talents with our students, inspiring them to embrace the theme of resilience in the face of challenges.

Additionally, we are honored to have Zamani Folade join us for the assembly, where she will perform Lift Every Voice and Sing, The Black National Anthem, and O Canada. Zamani's powerful voice will undoubtedly add a special touch to our event, highlighting the unity and strength within our diverse community.

Later in the month, the Maritime Center for African Dance will conduct workshops that include storytelling, spoken word and dance for the entire school to participate in. This promises to be an interactive and educational experience, providing students with a deeper understanding of African culture and traditions. Staff have planned lessons and activities that are educational through their teachings.

We will also have trivia, facts and biographies of prominent African Canadians shared over the announcements daily, read and shared by our student body.

School Dance

CPJH will be hosting it’s second dance on Thursday, February 15 from 6:30- 8:00 pm. This is open to all CPJH students in grades 6-8. Tickets will be on sale in both the modular and the main building on Thurs Feb. 8, Fri. Feb. 9, Mon. Feb. 12 at the beginning of lunch, at a cost of $5. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

• This is a dance for CPJH students only, no guests will be permitted.
• A canteen will be available for purchase during the dance.
• Students should be dropped off no earlier than 6:25 pm. Doors will open at 6:30. We ask that if you are picking up students that you arrive at 8pm. If students are walking home, they should be travelling in pairs or groups.
• Doors to the dance will close at 7:00 pm. Students arriving after 7:00 pm will not be permitted to enter.

Thank you to the staff of Clayton Park Junior High for volunteering their evening to chaperone and organize the dance for the students.

February 19th is Heritage Day

Observing Nova Scotia Heritage Day on the third Monday of February is an annual occasion to reflect on our province's rich history. It's a chance to recognize the remarkable people, places, and events that have shaped our unique heritage.

Please take time to learn about William Hall, the 2024 honoree, here.

February is Registration Month

Do you have a child who will be starting pre-primary or primary this fall? It’s time to register!

Registration for the 2024-25 school year begins on February 1. To ensure we have the right staff and supports in place for September, it’s important that we gather enrolment numbers now.

Tip: Before you begin, make sure you have the following documents in electronic form (image, PDF or Word document):

• Proof of identity/age with one of the following: birth certificate, passport, immigration papers, or legal adoption papers if you are new to the HRCE;
• Proof of home address (a recently dated official government or utility document with your current address that includes your name and date, such as water bill, power bill, internet bill, home fuel bill, a tax receipt, property assessment or a mortgage contract); and
• Nova Scotia Health Card or Canadian Province Health Card or, for non-citizens while in Canada, proof of Medical Insurance Information.

Visit the HRCE website for more information and to enrol your child today through PowerSchool Enrollment!

Don’t have a child to register? Maybe you know someone who does! Please help us spread the word and pass this information on to friends, neighbours or relatives who will be looking to register for the fall.

Important Dates

• February 19th – Heritage Day (No Classes)
• March 11th – March 15th – March Break (No Classes)
• March 18th – Assessment and Evaluation Day (No Classes)
• March 29th – Good Friday (No Classes)
• April 1st – Easter Monday (No Classes)
• April 4th – AM Professional Development Day (No Classes)
• PM Parent Teacher Interviews 1-3pm (No Classes) & 6-8pm
• May 20th – Victoria Day (No Classes)
• May 23rd – Immunization Clinic
• June 27th – Assessment and Evaluation Day (No Classes)
• June 28th – Last Day of School

We appreciate your continued support.

With gratitude and kindness,

The Staff and Administration of Clayton Park Junior High