Oct. 1, 2026

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

It’s been a busy and exciting start to the new school year across the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. As we settle into our regular routines, I would like to share some important reminders and updates.

Strong Connections

Thank you to parents/caregivers for helping make this year’s Strong Connections a success and for your flexibility in accommodating the attendance schedule. These smaller-group days provided valuable opportunities for teachers to get to know their students and build relationships that support learning throughout the school year.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence continues to develop rapidly, bringing both exciting opportunities for teaching and learning and important questions about its appropriate use in schools. In HSD, we’ve been working to provide clear guidance for staff as they consider when and how AI can support student learning. We have also set out guidelines and expectations for students, including what responsible and appropriate use looks like. We recognize this is an ongoing conversation, especially as we await further provincial direction. Families who would like to learn more are encouraged to visit the AI Section of the HSD website for our current guidelines and resources.

New Provincial PE Curriculum

As , the Manitoba government is introducing a pilot program for a that includes an ‘Every Body, Every Day’ policy making in-person physical education mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Full provincial implementation of this requirement is expected for the 2027-28 school year.

No HSD schools are participating in the pilot. With the new curriculum now available, HSD will be reviewing its content for expected implementation in the next school year. While the pilot is underway, questions regarding its content are best directed to Manitoba Education. We will communicate with families as more information becomes available.

Hanover Parent-Child Community Program

51³Ô¹ÏÍø invites parents and their preschool children to participate in free parent-child programming offered throughout the school year. This initiative is designed to support early learning and promote school readiness. Children will have the opportunity to play, learn, create, sing, and develop skills to prepare them for kindergarten. Please visit the website for more information.

Notification of Weather-Related Closures

With the winter season approaching, we would like to remind families of our school closure notification procedures. Parents/caregivers will receive notification via email, text message, and automated voice call between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on mornings of a weather-related closure. Notice will also be posted on HSD.ca and our school websites. For more information, including closure criteria and frequently asked questions, please visit our Weather-Related School Closures page.

Emergency Preparedness

In the event of a crisis, HSD may need to share urgent information with parents and caregivers. To ensure you receive these communications, please make sure your child’s school has your current phone number and email address on file. To learn more, visit the Emergency Preparedness page on the HSD website.

Assessment of Risk to Others – Fair Notice

51³Ô¹ÏÍø adheres to an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) protocol in our schools. The ARTO protocol is proactive and provides fair notice to students and their parents/caregivers that the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will actively investigate threats to self-harm or to harm others. All students and staff have a right to safety, and any behaviour by individuals that threatens this safety will be dealt with seriously. Safety in schools is fundamental to the learning and well-being of students. We ask all parents/caregivers to review the HSD Assessment of Risk to Others document.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a school year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and meaningful connections. Together, we can make this a wonderful year for our students, families, and school communities.

Respectfully,

Joe Thiessen, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø welcomed internationally recognized educator and author Tom Sherrington for a 51³Ô¹ÏÍøal Professional Development Day on September 21, 2026.

Sherrington is a teacher, trainer, and best-selling author with more than 30 years of experience in education. His work focuses on helping educators implement high-impact, research-informed strategies that improve learning for all students. He is the author of and the creator of Teacherhead, a resource for practical teaching ideas and professional growth.

Teachers participated in four sessions exploring key elements of effective classroom instruction:

• Principles of Adaptive, Inclusive Teaching – Understanding how learning happens and why it might not.
• Questioning and Checking for Understanding – Review of core techniques.
• Decision-Making: Matching Techniques to Purpose – Adapting in response to student performance.
• Embedding Challenge and Support – Running a class discussion so that every student participates.

The day was designed to inspire, equip, and energize educators with practical strategies that support student learning, build confidence, and create classrooms where all students can thrive.

HSD Professional Development Days provide an opportunity for teachers from across Hanover to connect, reflect on their instructional practices, and share ideas for their classrooms.

Sept. 8, 2026

There is something special about the beginning of a school year. Our classrooms and hallways quickly fill with energy, optimism, and possibility. For some students, this will be their very first day of school. For others, it marks another step in their educational journey. No matter where they are, each student brings unique gifts, talents, and dreams, and it is our privilege to help them learn, grow, and succeed.

Our staff have been preparing for your return with great care and dedication. Their commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments is one of the many reasons I am proud to serve this division.

Every employee, whether working in a classroom, on a school bus, in a maintenance shop, or in one of our offices, plays an important role in supporting student success.

I also want to thank our parents, caregivers, and community members for the trust you place in our schools. Strong partnerships between home and school make a meaningful difference, and together we can provide the encouragement, support, and opportunities our students need to thrive.

Upcoming Meet the Teacher events provide an excellent opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet their child’s teacher or teachers, visit the school, and begin building connections for the year ahead. Many of these events will take place on Wednesday, September 9, while some schools have scheduled their events for the following week. Please confirm the date and time with your child’s school.

I wish all of our students, families, and staff a wonderful start to the school year. May it be a year filled with learning, growth, meaningful relationships, and many reasons to celebrate.

Joe Thiessen, Superintendent-CEO

Listen in as Joe Thiessen chats with Mix 96.7 FM morning show host Corny Rempel about the start of the school year.

Oct. 3, 2025

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

It is always a pleasure to welcome students into our schools each fall. With the school year now well underway, I would like to share some important reminders, as well as highlight an upcoming event and programming designed to support students and families across our 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

CAREER/POST-SECONDARY FAIR
On Wednesday, October 8, the SRSS will be hosting . This symposium, featuring universities, community colleges, Bible colleges, local businesses, and organizations, will take place at the SRSS during the day, providing students with an opportunity to explore the various options available to them after graduation. Students from all HSD schools and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend the evening event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Gold Gym. Participants will have an opportunity to speak with reps and visit booths.

HANOVER PARENT-CHILD COMMUNITY PROGRAM
51³Ô¹ÏÍø invites parents and their pre-school children to participate in free parent-child programming offered throughout the school year. This initiative is designed to support early learning and promote school readiness. Children will have the opportunity to play, learn, create, sing, and develop skills to prepare them for kindergarten. The program operates in Bothwell, Grunthal, Kleefeld, Mitchell, and Steinbach. For more information, please visit the website.

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSURES
51³Ô¹ÏÍø will close when weather and road conditions (Extreme Hazardous Weather) in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø are such that it is not advisable to transport students via school buses. A partial closure of schools (Extreme Cold Weather) will be in effect when the recorded temperature at the Environment Canada Kleefeld Weather Station at 6:00 a.m. indicates -35 ° Celsius or colder, OR a windchill of -45 ° Celsius or colder. When a partial closure is in effect due to extreme cold, schools will be closed to students but remain open to staff and visitors. For more information, please refer to our Cold/Hazardous Weather Guidelines (PDF).

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
In the event of a crisis, HSD may need to share urgent information with parents and caregivers. To ensure you receive these communications, please make sure your child’s school has your current phone number and email address on file. To learn more, visit the Emergency Preparedness page on the HSD website.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK TO OTHERS – FAIR NOTICE
51³Ô¹ÏÍø adheres to an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) protocol in our schools. The ARTO protocol is proactive and provides fair notice to students and their parents/caregivers that the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will actively investigate threats to self-harm or to harm others. All students and staff have a right to safety, and any behaviour by individuals that threatens this safety will be dealt with seriously. Safety in schools is fundamental to the learning and well-being of students. We ask all parents/caregivers to review the HSD Assessment of Risk to Others (PDF) fair notice document.

On behalf of the HSD team, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. As we look ahead, we are committed to creating opportunities for learning, growth, and connection across our schools and communities. Together, we can make this year a positive and impactful one for all.

Joe Thiessen, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

September 23, 2024

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

It has been a pleasure and a joy to welcome students back into our schools for the 2024-25 school year. Now that students have settled into school routines and the busyness of school startup has slowed, we would like to take this opportunity to provide parents/caregivers with an important Student Services announcement and a few annual reminders.

Family Liaison Workers
51³Ô¹ÏÍø is excited to announce the addition of Family Liaison Workers to our Student Services support team. These dedicated staff will work closely with families to connect them with community resources, collaborate with school care teams, and support personalized support plans for students. Their efforts aim to reduce barriers to school attendance, provide targeted support, and implement strategies that enhance students’ overall school experience.

Daily School Attendance
A reminder that good attendance habits are best developed in the early years; otherwise, absenteeism becomes greater by middle years and high school, academic achievement is lower, and the likelihood of school dropout increases. Students who attend school regularly are more engaged in learning, have a greater sense of belonging to the community and are more likely to obtain a high school diploma. Please visit the school attendance page on our website for more information regarding attendance policies.

Positive Problem Solving
Parents, educators, and community members share a common goal of providing the best possible education for our students. By working together, we strive to create a safe, positive, and respectful learning environment for every child. However, there may be times when differences in opinion or concerns arise. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is committed to a collaborative approach to addressing these concerns. Please review the Positive Problem-Solving Steps outlined on our website to understand how we can work together to resolve any issues.

Assessment of Risk to Others – Fair Notice
51³Ô¹ÏÍø adheres to an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) protocol in our schools. The ARTO protocol is proactive and provides fair notice to students and their parents/caregivers that the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will actively investigate threats to self-harm or harm others. All students and staff have a right to safety, and any behaviour by individuals that threaten this safety will be dealt with seriously. Safety in schools is fundamental to the learning and well-being of students. We ask all parents/caregivers to review the HSD Assessment of Risk to Others fair notice document.

On behalf of the HSD team, I want to express our gratitude for your support and partnership. We look forward to the year ahead with optimism and a shared commitment to supporting our students. As we embrace the warmth and rich colours of the harvest season, let’s continue to work together to make this school year a memorable and fulfilling experience for all.

Joe Thiessen, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

June 21, 2024

View Full Update (PDF)

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community over the past twenty-two years. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many students, families, and community members. Thank you to all those colleagues, staff, and Board members who have shown support throughout my twenty-two years. Together, we have achieved many successes, weathered several challenges, and worked towards the common goal of providing a high-quality education for all students.

Public education matters. Public education serves as the cornerstone of a flourishing society, embodying the fundamental principle of equal opportunity. By providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education to all, regardless of race, culture, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status, public education cultivates an informed and empowered citizenry. It nurtures critical thinking, fosters creativity, communication, collaboration, and develops character. Public education equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. It can promote social cohesion by bridging divides and fostering understanding among diverse communities. Beyond individual benefits, public education stimulates economic growth and innovation by cultivating a skilled workforce in the trades, professional and customer service roles. It fosters a culture of lifelong learning. The essence of public education is not just a right but a societal imperative. It lays the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.

I have truly valued my time in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved. Although it was a bittersweet decision, it is time for my next chapter. I am excited, honoured, and looking forward to my new opportunity as Superintendent/CEO in the Pembina Trails School 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to lead and serve in this capacity. I am appreciative of all the relationships I have built and all the experiences that have enriched my professional journey. I wish the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø continued success in all its future endeavours.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

May 23, 2024

We deeply regret the inadvertent use of outdated independent study content in a Grade 9 social studies class in one of our schools. The instructional activity, sourced by the teacher from a provincial course package that is no longer in use, suggested inappropriate study questions related to the impact of residential schools.

The study questions shared in this instance do not reflect the values we strive to uphold: truth, reconciliation, respect, and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. We extend our deepest apologies to all those affected and will take steps to ensure this oversight does not happen again.

I want to reassure our school communities that programming and instruction within the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø intentionally align with the provincial Indigenous Education Policy Framework (). This provincial policy directive and conceptual framework supports the holistic achievements of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners by assisting Manitoba educators in incorporating Indigenous pedagogy, languages, and culture into their teaching and practices.

Our schools regularly invite leaders and educators from the Indigenous community to interact, engage, and educate our students. Additionally, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø employs a full-time Indigenous Learning and Assessment Coach who supports our teachers and serves as a liaison to our Indigenous education partners.

The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will continue to work alongside Elders and Knowledge Keepers and partner with neighbouring Indigenous communities to provide ongoing learning for our teachers. We reaffirm our dedication to improving practices and continuing the journey of reconciliation, honouring our relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

September 21, 2023

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

It has been a pleasure and a joy to welcome students back into our schools for the 2023-24 school year. Now that students have settled into school routines and the busyness of school startup has slowed, we would like to take this opportunity to provide some important annual reminders for all parents/caregivers.

Daily School Attendance
Daily school attendance is vital for all students. Students who attend school regularly are more engaged in learning, have a greater sense of belonging to the community and are more likely to obtain a high school diploma. Good attendance habits are best developed in the early years; otherwise, absenteeism becomes greater by middle years and high school, academic achievement is lower, and the likelihood of school dropout increases. Students who miss ten percent or more of the school year (approx. 15 days in total), including excused and unexcused absences, are considered chronically absent. Please visit the School Attendance page on our website for more information.

Positive Problem Solving
Parents, educators, and community members share the same goal: to give students the best education possible. We all work together to make our schools safe, positive, and respectful places for each child to learn. There are times, however, when we have different ideas about how things could be done, and concerns arise.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø supports a collaborative approach to resolving concerns or complaints. If you or your child is having a problem with school, we must work together to solve it as quickly and fairly as possible. We set positive examples for children when we solve our problems respectfully and cooperatively. Please review the Positive Problem Solving steps on our website.

Violence Threat Risk Assessment Fair Notice
51³Ô¹ÏÍø adheres to a Violence Threat Risk Assessment protocol. The VTRA protocol is proactive and provides fair notice to students and their parents/caregivers that the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will actively investigate threats to self-harm or harm others. All students and staff have a right to safety, and any behaviour by individuals that threaten this safety will be dealt with seriously. Safety in schools is fundamental to the learning and well-being of students. Please take a few minutes to review the .

Student Accident Insurance
The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the Manitoba School Boards Association are committed to the health and welfare of students. The School 51³Ô¹ÏÍø maintains Universal Student Accident Insurance coverage for all students attending our 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s schools. The program provides basic accident and medical coverage while students attend school or participate in school-organized activities.

Manitoba School Boards Association recommends that all parents/caregivers consider purchasing Voluntary Student Accident Insurance, which provides 24-hour coverage for all accidents at home, school, sports, organized activities or play for the entire year. To learn more about coverage available, please visit the Student Accident Insurance page on our website.

As partners in the education of your children, we look forward to the year ahead with a sense of hope, positivity, and gratitude. We continue to have incredible pride for our students, school/division staff, and you – our parents and caregivers. Thank you for your continued support.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

September 5, 2023

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

We look forward to the commencement of the upcoming school year with enthusiasm, optimism, and the potential to propel learning forward with pertinent, challenging, and robust educational experiences. The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø would like to reiterate our steadfast dedication to promoting well-being, academic excellence, extra-curricular opportunities, and Deeper Learning.

The HSD staff is committed to creating the conditions for advancement and accomplishment, ensuring that each child is provided with opportunities for success as they become compassionate, interconnected, and contributing members of society.

Partnering with parents/caregivers is of utmost importance as we know that student success increases when home and school work together. HSD strives for excellent communication from the school to the home. Please also reach out to your child’s teachers should any questions or concerns arise.

All of us at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø extend a warm greeting to our new and returning students and their families/caregivers. We embrace the new year with a sense of aspiration, positivity, and the promise of a bright future ahead.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø

View the HSD 2023-24 Calendar (PDF)

June 27, 2023

Click Here to View Full Year-End Report (PDF)

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

As we near the conclusion of the 2022-23 school calendar year, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation and share a message of optimism for the upcoming year. Parents and caregivers hold a pivotal role in their children’s education, and your unwavering support has been invaluable. I extend my gratitude for the ongoing communication and collaboration between home and school. Countless teaching and learning experiences have resumed throughout the year, and we are immensely grateful for your indispensable contribution to education. Thank you. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the 200+ students and their families who have joined our school communities throughout the 2022-2023 school year. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø enrolment continues to be on the rise!

As we shift our focus towards planning for the next school calendar year, a sense of excitement, hope, and opportunity permeates our endeavours to propel learning forward. We acknowledge the continued lingering impact of the pandemic on student learning and the mental health and well-being of our students, families, and staff. Our school division diligently collects and analyzes student data, encompassing summative assessments, grades, graduation rates, literacy, numeracy, and the recent student well-being survey (Grades 4-12). This data empowers us to identify and address learning gaps, allocate targeted interventions, and provide tailored resources for all students. Our aim is to cultivate an environment that nurtures growth and success for each child, enabling them to become compassionate, connected, and contributing members of society.

My pride in our 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s staff, students, parents, and caregivers continues to soar. I hold unwavering confidence in our dedicated and compassionate team as we eagerly anticipate the next year’s learning opportunities.

On behalf of our educators, support staff, superintendents, and Board of Trustees in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, we eagerly await your return in September, infused with a renewed sense of hope, positivity, and boundless opportunities for a promising future.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent/CEO
51³Ô¹ÏÍø