Learning Centres at Schools to Open January 4-5

Learning centres in Nova Scotia’s public schools will open on Tuesday, January 4, and Wednesday, January 5, to support students and families.

In consultation with public health, the Department made the decision to extend the holiday break by two days, with students returning to class Thursday, January 6. However, Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, said students whose needs are met through learning centres require additional support and schools and staff will be there to help.

“We heard from families about the impact of previous closures on students who use learning centres. We understand that some may want to send their children to school on those days, so staff will be there to support them,” said Minister Druhan.

Schools will be in contact with families whose children’s needs are met through learning centres and the staff who work there. Learning centres are used to co-ordinate and provide individual specialized programming and interventions to support students with disabilities and/or complex healthcare needs.

School staff will also report to work on January 4 and 5 for professional development.

The extended break allows families to monitor students for COVID-19 before they return to school, public health to assess COVID-19 in the province, and staff to undertake further professional development to support their teaching. It will also allow more time for families to book vaccination appointments for their children.