Families,
The February Newsletter and Calendar are posted.
Also see below for other information.

Celebrate African Heritage Month!
February is African Heritage Month! This year's theme, Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, recognizes the resiliency, strength, and determination of people of African descent from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia – with the Atlantic Ocean being the everlasting connection. Learn more here.
Looking for ways to recognize and celebrate African Heritage Month?
• Attend events happening throughout the month at your local Halifax Public Library.
• While you’re at the library, borrow books that will inspire the whole family to learn more about African heritage.
• Visit local heritage sites, such as the Black Cultural Centre, the Africville Museum, and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.

February 20 is Heritage Day
This year’s Heritage Day honours Elder Rita (Bernard) Joe, a member of the We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq Community and published author, who was instrumental in paving the way for other Mi’kmaq authors. Her greatest wish was to see more writings come from her people and “that the children would read it.” Learn more here.
Reminder that there are no classes on Monday, February 20 in honour of Heritage Day.

Cannabis caution for families
Cannabis products can look like regular food such as baked goods, chocolate, or candy. As a result, children are potentially at risk of poisoning from unintentional cannabis consumption. In fact, in 2021, the IWK Poison Centre recorded an 83% increase in the number of cases regarding children eating cannabis edibles—a trend that continues to increase every year since legalization.
Here are some resources to help keep children safe:
• IWK Child Safety Link tips
• Cannabis Talk Kit: How to talk with your teen
• Be in the Know: Talking with Youth about Cannabis
• Cannabis information for caregivers
• Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs: Know the facts

Weigh in on the HRCE website
What do you like about the HRCE website? What needs improvement?
We want to hear from you!
The Communications and Information Technology teams are currently planning a refresh and upgrade of the HRCE corporate website (www.hrce.ca).
To ensure the new site reflects what’s important to families, community and staff, we are inviting your input! Your thoughts, ideas and feedback will help us develop a website that will better serve those who use it most.
Please take five minutes to share your perspective. This survey closes on Tuesday, February 7. 
Click here to begin.
Regards,

T. Barro