BLUENOSE ACADEMY NEWS

As we settle into the new school year at Bluenose Academy, I want to thank you for the positive start we’ve had together this September. Students and staff have been busy re-establishing routines, building classroom communities, and setting high expectations for both learning and well-being.

A key focus this fall has been Nova Scotia’s updated Provincial School Code of Conduct. At Bluenose Academy, we are working closely with students to ensure they understand the importance of respect, responsibility, and safety in all aspects of school life. Teachers have been integrating discussions about the code into classroom activities, emphasizing how positive choices and accountability help create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

We have already seen students demonstrate leadership, kindness, and cooperation, and we are proud of the way our school community is embracing these shared values. By continuing to work together—students, families, and staff—we can make sure the Code of Conduct is not just a set of rules, but a guide for how we support one another every day.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we begin what promises to be a rewarding year.

Sincerely,

Marija Abramenko (Principal)

Cathy Shaw (Vice Principal)

Erin Dunn-Keefe (Vice Principal)

Parents/Guardians,

Please opt-in to our school district's text messaging system! We use text to send important school-related messages. Opt-In by texting Y to 978338.

School advisory councils (SACs) bring together teachers, support staff, parents and community members in an consultative capacity to increase the quality of education that is being provided by a school.

They are legally recognized bodies which are intended to give parents and the community a say in what goes on at a school, from policies to extra-curricular programs, fundraising and more.

SAC meeting are open to the public and we would love for you to join us.

Student Advisory Council held its first meeting last Wednesday and you can find the meeting minutes here:

https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/bluenoseacademy/for-families/school-advisory-council-sac?authuser=0

Please email mabramenko@ssrce.ca if you are interested in joining SAC.

Heart gardens honour residential school survivors and their families, as well as the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Each student wrote their dream for Canada as we move forward with Truth and Reconciliation. This came after studying about various calls to action and residential centers. Our Grade 8s and 6 Currie created a heart garden for Truth and Reconciliation Day, which you can view at the front of the school.

We will be sharing our photos with the main Heart Garden at Rideau Hall.

Due to regional policy, the SSRCE requires all volunteers and drivers to have three forms completed and submitted BEFORE they can transport and/or work independently with students at any school. The following forms. needs to be done and updated every 3 years:

• The Child Abuse Registry Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check

The following form must be completed every year:

The J Form

All forms can be picked up directly from the school office. If you have further questions, please call BA office at 902-634-2200.

If you are uncertain whether your checks are current, please contact Aimee Fancy at volunteer@ssrce.ca to verify your standing.

The focus this year was on the importance of being an ally—standing in solidarity with marginalized groups and speaking up for their rights.

At Bluenose Academy, we value listening to understand and learning from one another so that we can continue to grow.

Please visit: https://ssrce.ca/ally/ for more information

Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Baker-Rawding have launched a new Leadership Club for some of our upper elementary students in grades 5 & 6. Selected students have already begun their training and are eager to put their leadership skills into action throughout the school.

As part of their role, these student leaders will be supporting our younger learners in Grades Primary to 3, serving as positive role models and helpers. We are very proud to begin this exciting initiative and look forward to watching our students grow and shine as leaders.

Dear BA Families,

Again this year, we will be electronically sharing copies of Documented Adaptations to families of students who have this specific level of support in place.

Documented Adaptations are strategies and/or resources to accommodate the learning needs of an individual student. They do not change learning outcomes but enable students to achieve them.

Adaptations are selected with your child’s student success planning team through a collaborative consultative approach. Team members include classroom teachers, administrators, school counsellors, learning and behaviour support teachers, learning difference specialists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, family members, the student (as appropriate), regionally-based staff, and/or professionals from external agencies.

Adaptations are implemented in the inclusive classroom. They are continually monitored for their necessity and are reviewed through collaboration discussion at parent-teacher conferences.

If you have any questions about your child’s Documented Adaptations, please contact their classroom teacher directly.

Owen Zinck, William Whiting, Liam Birtles

French Immersion 3/4 McMillan completing a physically active math lesson, in which they arranged numbers on an open number line outside. It was a great learning experience with a lot of communication, teamwork, frustrations, breakthroughs and a lot of student pride at the end.

Thank you to our own Erin Dunn-Keefe for offering her cancer story of hope once again. Thanks to everyone's efforts, we raised $1045.47 for cancer research! Thank you all and especially the Terry Fox committee (Stephanie Hunt, Chris Wissler, Barb Chapman, and Erin Seamone).

Communication

We are fostering a culture of communication where the school community (students, staff, parents and other community members) is equally responsible, and feels safe, valued and respected when communicating values, beliefs and ideas.

Instruction

We are creating a learning environment where all students feel safe, valued, challenged and engaged through collaboration, differentiated instruction, research based strategies and making cross-curricular connections.

Assessment

We focus on assessment practices that:

• Align with curriculum outcomes
• Meet the needs of the whole child to reach his/her potential
• Incorporate a balanced approach (conversations, observations and product)
• Determine where students are and what they need to do to improve
• Are clear, purposeful, well designed, and student involved
• Communicate relevant information to all stakeholders

Leadership

We foster leadership within the school environment where staff, students, parents and community feel comfortable to share responsibility so that Bluenose Academy is an enriching place to work and learn.

Social Justice

At Bluenose Academy, all of our actions and decisions are guided by principles of social justice, fairness, and equity.

School Conduct

We model conduct that demonstrates teamwork and professionalism, encourages involvement and engagement of the school community and supports the educational goals and principles of Bluenose Academy.

Email: ba@ssrce.ca
Website: https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/bluenoseacademy/
Location: 18 Tannery Road, Lunenburg, NS, Canada
Phone: (902)634-2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BASeahawks
Twitter: @ssrsbba