June 22, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians,
In May, the Halifax Regional School Board announced that Prince Arthur Junior High would close at the end of June to
make way for the construction of the new Dartmouth South Primary to grade 9 school to replace both Prince Arthur and
Southdale-North Woodside. Starting in September and continuing until the construction is completed, all grade 7 and 8
students will attend Southdale-North Woodside and grade 9 students will attend Dartmouth High.
Over the past month, a committee made up of School Advisory Council members from Prince Arthur and its feeder
schools, as well as school and board staff, and students, have met each week to plan for the successful transition of
students. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an overview of what to expect as the school year draws to a
close and when school resumes in September.
Important Dates
June 24, 25:
Prince Arthur will be closed to students to allow staff to pack furniture, equipment and materials
in preparation for the move to Southdale.
June 26 & June 29:
Assessment & Evaluation Day P-12. No classes for all students.
June 30:
Last Day of School.
September 1: Organization Day (No classes)
September 2: First Day of School for High Schools:
Grades 9 and 10 students – 8:30-12:00
Grades 11 and 12 students- 1:00-3:00 p.m.
September 2 Elem/Junior High Schools PD Day (no classes)
September 3 First Day of School for Elem/Junior High Schools
September 4 First day school for Southdale-North Woodside School
New Southdale-North Woodside Administration
Starting in September, the principal of Southdale-North Woodside will be Adrienne Blumenthal. Ms. Blumenthal will be
replacing Brian Ellenberger who is retiring. Norma MacIntyre, the current vice-principal at Prince Arthur, will be the viceprincipal. We wish Brian a long and healthy retirement after 40 years of service!
Southdale-North Woodside Bell Times
P-2: 8:50 am – 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
3-9: 8:50 am – 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm – 3 p.m.
Staffing
Teachers from Prince Arthur assigned to teach grades 7 & 8 will join the students at the Southdale-North Woodside site.
Grade 9 teachers will join the grade nine students at Dartmouth High School.
Portable Classroom
A portable has been ordered for the Southdale‐North Woodside site to accommodate an alternate space for some of the
junior high physical education classes, extra‐curricular activities and EXCEL. This will be installed during the summer.
There is enough space in the building for each of the eight (8) additional junior high homerooms.
Student Transportation
A link to the 2015-16 bus stops for the Southdale-North Woodside will be posted to the HRSB website and available for
viewing effective June 23, 2015. (http://www.hrsb.ca/about-our-schools/student-transportation).
All students eligible under the HRSB Student Transportation Policy F.005 will be accommodated. For clarity, Grades P-6
students living beyond 2.4 km from their school, and grades 7-12 students living beyond 3.6 km from their school will be
transported by bus.
If you have any questions regarding transportation do not hesitate to contact Stock Transportation at 902-481-8400.
School Sports
Grade 9 students will play with their peers in grades 10 ‐ 12. Dartmouth High School has both varsity and junior varsity
opportunities for most sports. Grade 7 and 8 students will be able to play in existing junior high leagues.
Arrangements have been made with South Woodside School to use their gymnasium for extra-curricular sports.
School Information
Southdale-North Woodside:
Grades Primary -6-Supply lists will be sent home with the students on the last day of school. Supply lists will also be
posted on the school’s website (snws.ednet.ns.ca). The teacher and grade level configuration will be on the report cards.
For new primary students teachers will come out to meet them at their entrance (by the staff parking lot doors) on the
first day of school.
Grades 7-8- students should bring a pencil and a scribbler for the first day of school. Teachers will provide them with
supply lists on the first day of classes. Class lists will be posted on the doors on the Prince Arthur side of the school prior
to the first bell.
Dartmouth High School
Grade 9 - Student schedules will be communicated on the first day of school. Students will receive their schedule from
their homeroom teacher. Students will be able to login to PowerSchool on September 2 and see the information before
they arrive at school.
Contact Information
If you have any questions related to the information contained in this document or any questions, I encourage you to
speak with the school principal of the school your child will be attending. Their contact information is listed below:
School
Southdale-North Woodside
Phone Number
902-464-2081
Email
snws@hrsb.ca
Dartmouth High
902-464-2457
dhs@hrsb.ca
Principal
Brian Ellenberger
Adrienne Blumenthal
Eartha Monard
I want to thank everyone who served on the transition committee, especially the students involved, whose positive
leadership and input contributed significantly to this process. The information they provided was extremely informative
and greatly valued. I also appreciate the patience of parents/guardians as we worked to address the concerns raised. I
am confident when school resumes in September, our schools and the board will work diligently to continue providing a
high quality education for every student every day.
Best wishes for a healthy, relaxing and enjoyable summer!
Regards,
Elwin LeRoux
Superintendent
c:
Gin Yee, HRSB Member District 3 - Dartmouth Centre - Dartmouth North
HRSB Board Members