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 Division.

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
91快活林 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
Schools will close when weather and road conditions (Extreme Hazardous Weather) in the 91快活林 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 掳 Celsius or colder, OR a windchill of -45 掳 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
91快活林 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 Division 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
91快活林

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
91快活林 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. 91快活林 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
91快活林 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 Division 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
91快活林

June 21, 2024

View Full Update (PDF)

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the 91快活林 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 91快活林 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 Division.

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 91快活林 continued success in all its future endeavours.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
91快活林

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 91快活林 intentionally align with the provincial Indigenous Education Policy Framework (). This provincial policy directive and conceptual framework supports the holistic achievements of First Nations, M茅tis, 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 91快活林 employs a full-time Indigenous Learning and Assessment Coach who supports our teachers and serves as a liaison to our Indigenous education partners.

The 91快活林 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
91快活林

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.

91快活林 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
91快活林 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 Division 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 91快活林 and the Manitoba School Boards Association are committed to the health and welfare of students. The School Division maintains Universal Student Accident Insurance coverage for all students attending our Division鈥檚 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
91快活林

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 91快活林 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鈥檚 teachers should any questions or concerns arise.

All of us at the 91快活林 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
91快活林

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. 91快活林 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 Division’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 91快活林, 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
91快活林

January 27, 2023

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

As you may be aware, this past week we received voicemail threats directed to three HSD schools. Our students’ safety, mental health, and well-being are a priority, and threats to schools are taken very seriously. We continue to work with the RCMP and support their investigation.

We also recognize that such incidents may cause anxiety for some children and that counselling support may be necessary. Divisional social workers and school counsellors will be available at the affected schools next week to provide support as needed.

The following guidance may also be helpful for parents/caregivers:

• Listen and acknowledge all feelings by taking the time to hear what your child is saying and responding to their worries. This discussion would be best if it occurs in a supportive environment where there is no judgement and you can sit without distractions. When children ask questions, use age-appropriate language and a calm and reassuring tone of voice. Your child needs to feel safe and know that their home environment will remain stable with a regular routine.
• Limit media exposure and be involved in their use of technology (e.g., cell phones, tablets, iPods, computers, etc.). Be mindful of your discussions regarding these events in the presence of children, and be aware that children often listen when you don鈥檛 think they are.
• Provide factual information about what your children have observed or experienced, taking into account the age and level of understanding of your children. Do not speculate.
• Parents should be aware that being overly protective of their children is a normal response. Sometimes a natural reaction for a parent is to keep their child home or avoid talking about this event; however, this will intensify the feelings of anxiety your child may be experiencing.
• Some common reactions may include school avoidance, avoiding talking about their feelings, losing sleep or having nightmares, a sense of helplessness, fear, anger and a heightened sense of vulnerability.
• As much as possible, don’t allow adult emotions to negatively affect a child’s sense of security.
• Reassure children that their feelings of vulnerability will subside with time, but if the feelings don’t subside, to let you know, and you will get them help.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to your child鈥檚 teacher(s) or principal to arrange for support. Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the RCMP.

To those parents/caregivers of students attending Steinbach schools and Kleefeld School, please monitor your email this weekend for additional correspondence. We will send a follow-up email on Sunday evening to confirm whether affected schools will reopen on Monday.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
91快活林

Dec. 21, 2022

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

The Christmas and holiday season brings a sense of joy, excitement, and the warmth of family for most children and families in our communities. At times, it can also be stressful for those children who have previously or are currently struggling with mental health issues or challenging life circumstances. Changes in daily routine (winter break) can increase anxiety in some children and may further worsen feelings of depression or loneliness. For those children who have recently experienced tragedy, it may also be a time when grief overwhelms them.

Our teachers, counsellors, principals and other school division staff have noticed a marked increase in the need for mental health support for youth in our communities over the past 12 months. We encourage parents/caregivers to be mindful of the mental health support that their children may need during this holiday season. Watch for significant or unusual changes in behaviour and check in on their well-being often.

We encourage families to reach out for help if needed. When school is in session, parents/caregivers may access support at their child鈥檚 school through the School Counselor Department. Additional supports are available anytime from the following community resources:

• Backstage Youth Drop-in Centre (204-326-4366)
• Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or Text TALK to 686868)
• Klinic Crisis Lines (204-786-8686)
• Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support line (1-877-435-7170)
• Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support website

We hold onto hope as we plan for the future. With a new year on the horizon, HSD is committed to seeking additional opportunities and ways to support the youth in our community. We intend to further collaborate with Manitoba Health, RCMP, local partner organizations, and formal and informal community leaders. Our aim is to host an initial meeting early in the new year and work together with a vision to provide enhanced, coordinated, and robust support to the youth in our community who hold the future in their hands.

Wishing you and your family a restful and meaningful holiday season, and we look forward to welcoming students back in January.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
91快活林

DEC. 5, 2022

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

91快活林 remains committed to keeping our community informed and updated with new information as it becomes available. Today鈥檚 update includes information regarding guidance for children who are sick and steps for problem solving.

What Should I Do If My Child is Sick?
Our teachers and schools are here to support your child鈥檚 learning, and your child鈥檚 well-being is important to us. Children who are sick should not attend school. Public health officials strongly urge anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, and headache, to remain at home. Children should stay home until they improve, which means no fever, and other symptoms are clearly improving for a couple of days. Specifically for COVID-19, Public Health recommends that individuals wait for at least five days after testing positive or the onset of symptoms before returning to school or daycare.

With respiratory viruses (RSV) circulating, knowing what symptoms to look for and when to seek help is essential. Visit for healthcare guidance. Working together, we can keep the risk of virus transmission low in our schools.

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 may have different ideas about the way things could be done, and concerns could arise.

91快活林 supports a collaborative approach to resolving concerns or complaints. If you or your child is having a problem with school, it is important that we 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. We also work toward building good, strong relationships among home, school, and community. Please review the attached document (problem-solving steps), which follows HSD Board policy and the recommended protocol of Manitoba Education.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and partnership as we work together to make our schools safe, positive, and respectful places for each child to learn.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
91快活林