Good Morning Clayton Park Students and Families,
As January draws to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the month has passed. It’s been a cold one, with many students and staff navigating through seasonal illnesses. Despite these challenges, students have settled back into their school routines since returning from the holiday break, and we are so proud of their efforts.
As we move into February, we want to remind our students of the importance of being kind, caring, and respectful members of the Clayton Park community. Kindness is one of the greatest acts we can demonstrate, and we encourage all students to continue embodying this in their interactions. The students of CPJH have many amazing qualities, and we want to support them in reaching their full potential.
We are excited for another month filled with learning, fun, and school spirit. A special thank you goes to Mr. Norris for organizing the incredible lunch hour basketball game where our school teams faced off against staff. To the staff who participated and those who helped supervise, thank you for creating such a vibrant and energizing atmosphere—it was the perfect way to end the week!
Let’s continue to make Clayton Park a place where everyone thrives.
Mrs. Canavan – Principal & Mrs. Gee – Vice Principal
Celebrating African Heritage Month at CPJH
February is African Heritage Month, and we are excited to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Canadians and people of African ancestry worldwide. This year’s theme, Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance, highlights the achievements and resilience of African Nova Scotians, who have shaped the province's history for more than 400 years.
In schools, recognizing African Heritage Month is crucial for promoting cultural awareness and inclusion. It fosters understanding of the diverse cultural landscape of Nova Scotia, empowering African Nova Scotian students by reflecting their history and heritage in their classrooms. Highlighting their achievements serves as a source of inspiration.
African Heritage Month 2025 is an opportunity to educate, inspire, and celebrate the richness of African heritage in Nova Scotia every day.
Throughout the month, we have several special events and activities planned to celebrate and educate, including:
· Guest Speakers: Inspirational talks from local leaders and advocates.
· Interactive Workshops: Exploring art, music, and traditions rooted in African heritage.
· School Assembly: A special assembly showcasing student performances and learning.
· Classroom Activities: Engaging lessons that highlight African history, achievements, and stories.
· Heritage Display: A curated exhibit in the school featuring art, artifacts, and contributions of African Canadians.
Let’s make this a meaningful and inspiring month together!
PowerSchool Gradebooks (Grade 7&8) and Progress Reports (Grade 6)
As of Thursday, January 30th, PowerSchool Gradebooks for Grades 7 and 8 have been updated by teachers. We encourage you to log in and review your child's grades and attendance records. This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed about your child's academic progress.
Additionally, Grade 6 teachers should have sent home a progress report or update for all families on January 30th. If you did not receive a progress report or have any questions, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher or contact administration for support.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student learning!
School Dance - Thursday, February 13th
We are excited to announce that Clayton Park Junior High will be hosting our second school dance on Thursday, February 13th 6-7:30pm. Tickets will go on sale starting Monday, February 10th during lunch for Grade 7 & 8 students (during the eating portion of lunch) and at recess for Grade 6 students. Tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase until Wednesday, February 12th . Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door or after Wednesday the 12th.
This dance is for CPJH students only—no outside guests will be allowed. A canteen will be available during the dance for students to purchase snacks and drinks (cash only).
· Doors open at 5:50 PM, and students should be dropped off no earlier than that.
· Pick-up is promptly at 7:30 PM. If students are walking home, they should do so in pairs or groups.
· Doors close at 6:30 PM, and students arriving after this time will not be allowed entry.
A big thank you to the staff members who have volunteered their time to chaperone and help organize this event for our students. We look forward to a fun and safe evening for everyone!
Supervision at School We have noticed many students arriving at school before 9 AM. Please remember that students are not to be on CPJH property prior to this time, as supervision does not begin until 9 AM. We ask all families to respect this, as students are not supervised during this time.
Dressing for the Weather
As the colder weather has arrived, please remind your child to dress appropriately for the conditions. Unless temperatures are extremely low, students will spend 25 minutes outside during lunch. It is our expectation that all students are outside for a portion of their lunch break. Rest assured; school administration will be supervising the students during this time. Thank you for your support in ensuring our students are prepared for the weather! We believe it’s in the best interest of our students to spend time outside during the lunch hour, enjoying fresh air and staying active!
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 2025-26 school year begins on February 3. 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.
Reminder: February 17 is Heritage Day
Heritage Day 2025 honours the late Nora Madeline Bernard. From Millbrook First Nation, she was a Mi'kmaq activist who fought for her community and First Nations people across Canada.
Ms. Bernard played a key role in getting justice, recognition, and compensation for survivors of the Canadian Indian Residential School system. As a survivor of the system herself, she founded and became president of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School Association in 1987. She then started a class-action lawsuit for the survivors, which inspired others across the country to do the same, leading to the largest class-action lawsuit in Canadian history.
Literacy Development for Your Child (Primary to Grade 6)
Are you curious about your child's literacy development? A new page of information on HRCE.ca helps to break down development for children from grades Primary to 6 as they learn to read and write. Learn more here.
Important Dates
January 29th - Lunar New Year
February 17th – Nova Scotia Heritage Day (No Classes)
March 7th – Assessment and Evaluation Day (No Classes)
March 10 – 15th – March Break (No Classes)
With Kindness and Gratitude,
The Staff and Administration of Clayton Park Junior High