New provincial policy will support extracurricular activity in schools

Nova Scotia schools will have more options to support extracurricular activities for students in September.

A new provincial policy sets out who can lead and supervise extracurricular activities.

The policy has been released to the regional centres and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial.

“Extracurricular activities benefit students, families, the community and our schools,” said Zach Churchill, minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “This policy creates more opportunity for families and communities to take a bigger role in extracurricular school activities that can help improve student achievement, well-being and attendance.”

Under the policy, principals can assign a registered volunteer to lead and supervise extracurricular school activities. Previously, each region had their own policies and employees of a Regional Centre for Education or the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial had to be present to lead and supervise activities.

A registered volunteer must be at least 18 years old, not employed by a Regional Centre for Education or the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial and not be a public school student. They must be approved by the school principal, complete and provide proof of all necessary background checks, and provide relevant and required certifications.

School Advisory Councils were consulted in the development of the policy.

If you would like to become a volunteer, contact your school’s principal for more information.