Megan Murphy (left) pre-primary lead, and Kylee Smith early childhood educator, work to get the pre-primary classroom set up at the Evelyn Richardson Memorial Elementary School (ERMES) in Shag Harbour for the school year. KATHY JOHNSONArticle contentStudents attending the new École Baie Sainte-Marie in the Municipality of Clare will get an extra day of summer vacation before heading back to class in September.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentWhile Sept. 3 is the first day back to school for public school students this year in the tri-counties, classes at the new Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) school will begin on Sept. 4.Article contentArticle content The logo for École Baie Sainte-Marie, the new French elementary school being opened in September in the Municipality of Clare. It was designed by Stéphanie McLean, a teacher at École Joseph-Duga, one of the schools being replaced. CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentArticle contentThe new school in Saulnierville was built on the former site of the École Jean-Marie-Gay.Article contentArticle contentÉcole Baie Sainte-Marie replaces École Joseph-Dugas and École Stella-Maris. The province announced construction of the new elementary school in 2018.Article contentÉcole Baie Sainte-Marie is designed for approximately 350 students. Spaces will include, but are not limited to, 18 dedicated classrooms, an arts room, a cafeteria, a daycare, a community centre, a gym, and collaborative spaces. The construction is targeting LEED Silver Certification.Article contentMeanwhile the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education (TCRCE) is looking at a slight decrease in enrollment this year, compared to the 2025-26 school year.Article content Chairs rest on desktops at the Evelyn Richardson Memorial Elementary School (ERMES) in Shag Harbour, ready for the return of students. KATHY JOHNSONArticle contentArticle contentIn September 2025, enrollment stood at 5,899. In September 2024, student enrollment was 5,827.Article contentGoing into the school year, Purdy said the TCRCE had one teaching position vacant across their schools.Article contentThe final phase of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program will launch this school year. Lunches will be available in all 372 public schools across the province, offering more than 133,000 students access to nutritious food during the school day.Article contentArticle contentThe provincial directive limiting the use of cell phones by students will also continue this year.Article content“The cell phone directive continues to be a success across our schools. This was reaffirmed by our Student Advisory Council who gave unanimous positive feedback it has had on both classroom and environment,” said Purdy.Article contentStudents back in class mean the return of school buses on the road. There were 153 red light violations during the 2025-2026 school year in the tri-county region, said Purdy, compared to 234 in 2024-2025.Article content“Ninety per cent of TCRCE buses are equipped with video surveillance with the remaining being completed this school year,” said Purdy.Article contentArticle content A colourful classroom educational display in a classroom at the Evelyn Richardson Memorial Elementary School (ERMES) in Shag Harbour, Shelburne County. KATHY JOHNSONArticle contentArticle contentThe TCRCE regional office is now located in the Hebron Industrial Park at 62 RCom Drive. The building also houses the Yarmouth County Alternative Education Program.Article contentThe most recent infrastructure upgrade for TCRCE schools was a new roof for Lockeport Regional High School.Article content
Prepping for school start in southwestern N.S., new CSAP school opening in Clare
