Enrolment numbers higher than projected
More students have enroled in schools within the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board this year, than was expected.
A report coming to the board next week shows 10,575 elementary students enrolled this year, about 364 more than was expected, while 4,465 students are enrolled in HPE secondary schools, 130 more than projected.
The report from Superintendent of Business Services Nick Pfeiffer also says 370 elementary students, or 3.5% of of the student population, is taking part in virtual school this year.
That’s a little more than the 356 expected.
114 of secondary school students, or 2.6%, are taking part in online learning this year, just below the projection of 118.
Summer mental health workers busy helping students and families
A special mental health support team set up through the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board provided services to hundreds of students and their families this past summer.
The six-person team, which was funded in part by support from the Ministry of Education, provided services through July and August and helped students and their families deal with anxiety, low mood, grief and loss.
A report coming to the board trustees next week shows the team supported 89 students, made 332 student family contacts and 112 home visits.
There was also significant engagement with a dozen Indigenous families through an Indigenous camp experience, while the Kids Help Line helped about 300 students through the transitions of back to school initiatives.
The report says the school board is grateful for the efforts of those social workers and that the data will be passed along to the provincial government for further evaluation.
