A Note from Mr. Clarke
Dear Armbrae Families and Community Members,
Now, more than ever, it is important that we embrace the diversity within the Armbrae community. At this time of year, we recognize and celebrate the significant events that hold deep meaning for our Muslim and Christian families.
Ramadan, observed from March 10th to April 9th, is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other activities during daylight hours. Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed and fosters compassion for those less fortunate. As the month concludes, Eid al-Fitr brings a joyous celebration, marking the end of Ramadan.
Similarly, Christians observe Passion Week and Easter, occurring from March 24th to March 31st, leading up to Easter Monday on April 1st. From Palm Sunday to Easter Monday, Christians reflect on the events of Jesus' final days, including His crucifixion and resurrection, culminating in a celebration of new life and hope.
As we transition into the season of Spring, we celebrate renewal, growth, and the promise of new beginnings. Spring, beginning with the Vernal Equinox (today), signifies a time of balance as day and night become equal in length, and the natural world around us begins to thrive again.
Regardless of our individual faith traditions, let us come together to extend our warmest wishes for a blessed Ramadan, a joyful Easter, and a season filled with the vibrant energy of Spring.
Warm regards,
Steve.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, March 21st: Grade 7 Immunization Clinic
- Wednesday, March 27th: Colour Day
- Thursday, March 28th: Co-Curricular Session 4-Registration Opens
- Friday, March 29th: Good Friday- School Closed
- Monday, April 1st: Easter Monday- School Closed
- Thursday, April 18th: PS-Grade 12 Parent Teacher Conferences - 4pm-9pm
- Thursday, April 18th: Early Dismissal at 3:15pm - No Co-curriculars
- Friday, April 19th: PS-Grade 12 Parent Teacher Conferences - 9am-3pm
- Friday, April 19th: No Classes for Students - All Divisions
- Friday, April 19th: Parent Teacher Camps - PP-G6 - 9am-4:30pm
Looking Ahead & Save the Dates:
- Friday, May 3rd: Grandparents’ Day & Lower School Musical
- Saturday, May 4th: Susan Beazley’s Retirement Celebration
- Wednesday, June 19th: Celebration of Learning
General Announcements
Armbrae Amazing Shake
We have four students heading off to Atlanta, Georgia, for the Global Amazing Shake this weekend! James Burke, Morgan Clarke, Gavin Angel and Sehajleen Kaur. If you are interested in watching Round 1: The Gauntlet, you can tune in here. Other rounds will also be live streamed and may be watched on their Facebook page. Good luck to these amazing students!
Good luck everyone!
Guest Speaker: Angela Simmonds
On Wednesday, March 27th, we have invited Angela Simmonds to speak to the Grade 6 - 12 students. Angela is a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, lawyer, former member and deputy speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly. She is also a former small business owner, and a community mobilizer whose 20-year career extends across the fields of socio-economic development, education, entrepreneurship, policy, and cultural competency.
Homestay Opportunity
A female student from China whose family had to return to China for a family emergency is looking for a homestay for the rest of this year and next year. The student is going into Grade 10. For the contact information of the family to arrange further details, please contact Suzanne Morrison, Director of Admissions smorrison@armbrae.ns.ca
Job Shadow Opportunity: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
As a part of Grade 11 & 12 Career Education courses, students participate in a job shadow in an industry they might want to explore once they graduate. If you or a colleague are open to hosting a student for the day on April 16th, please reach out to Mr. Maki (mmaki@armbrae.ns.ca) before Friday, March 29th. Here are some specifics about the Job Shadow:
- Students should be at the workplace for 6-8 hours, not including lunch or breaks.
- Students will be expected to bring their own lunch and snacks.
- Mentors will be contacted directly by the student and asked questions to help them prepare, such as:
- What is the expected uniform/dress code?
- Are there any health and safety requirements/guidelines?
- Are there any activities they would not be able to participate in due to safety or confidentiality?
- Students should be engaged and help with daily activities when appropriate and safe.
- Mentors will be asked to complete a checkbox assessment sheet for the student they host (provided by the school). The assessment would evaluate their engagement, preparedness, punctuality, professionalism, etc.
- We would ask that mentors set aside a short period of time during the day when the student can interview them about their careers.
We hope to have a wide range of careers and professions represented to give students opportunities to consider different career options, and appreciate your support in providing valuable experiences for our students!
Lower School
Save the Date! Our Lower School Musical will take place on Friday, May 3rd. This year we are very excited to be presenting Shrek The Musical Jr! Performances will take place at 2:00pm and 6:30pm. All students from Primary to Grade 6 are involved in the show so it is important that all students are at both performances.
Middle School
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over us here in Halifax! A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun, darkening the sky as if it were dawn or dusk.
Middle School students are invited to come watch the peak of the eclipse together on the turf after co-curriculars (4:20pm until 5:00pm). Halifax is close to the path of totality and will experience roughly 95% eclipse. The entire event will require specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing which will be available here for Middle School students. Parents are welcome to come join us to watch this rare astronomical event! The next total solar eclipse with Halifax in the path of totality will not be until 2079!
Eclipse timeline: Monday, April 8th
Start time (first contact): 3:27pm
Maximum Eclipse (sun 95% covered): 4:38pm
End time (last contact): 5:44pm
Middle School students please RSVP HERE by Tuesday, April 2nd!
Upper School
School Prefect Applications for the 2024-2025 school year open this week. There will be an information session held at lunchtime in Coburg Goldberg on Thursday, March 28th for students who are interested in applying to be a Prefect for next year. Prefect positions are open to current Grade 10 & 11 students.
The 2024 Europe Trip was a huge success and we have enjoyed hearing about the fantastic experiences that the students had on their adventures through Greece and Italy. A huge thank you to the group leader, Ms. Hodder, and chaperones, Mrs. Corman, Mr. MacIsaac, and Ms. Fothergill for spending their March Break making this trip possible. Grade 9 & 10 students should stay tuned for information on the next Europe Trip, which will take place during March Break 2026!
Auxiliary Department
Check out what is happening in CAS Newsletter HERE
Parent Teacher PD CAMP- April 19th - Register HERE
Osprey Summer Camps Registration - NOW OPEN!
- Register HERE
- Armbrae Family Discount: WELOVEARMBRAE
- We are excited to offer camps for 10 weeks for Grades PP-8.
- Learn more at ospreycamps.ca
Armbrae Summer Academy Registration - NOW OPEN!
Athletics
Both senior basketball teams advanced to Division 1 Provincials this year. The girls placed 5th, being defeated in the semi final. The boys also placed 5th, being defeated in the Bronze semi final. Congrats to both teams for a great season!
Basketball All Stars for the Division 1 League 2023/2024:
- Ronei Beals
- Sasha Dabb
- Lily Francois
- Ollie Nadeau
Basketball Rookie for the Division 1 League 2023/2024:
Three of our graduating student-athletes have committed to universities for next year and will be competing at the varsity level. Congratulations to Sasha Dabb, who will head to University of New Brunswick to study Sports & Recreation and Lily Francois who will be attending Cape Breton University to study Kinesiology. Both will play on the women’s basketball teams at their respective universities. Hannah Burt will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at Mount Allison University, where she will also be a member of the varsity swim team.
Field Hockey, Track and Field and Badminton are starting up and we encourage all students to take part in one of the spring sports on offer.