Dear Members,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope you had a safe, restful summer and found time to reconnect with friends and family. Whether you're welcoming students for the first time or leading an experienced team, your leadership matters deeply—and PSAANS is proud to walk alongside you. Thank you for everything you are doing now—and throughout the year—to ensure a successful school experience for students, families, and staff.
A special welcome to those stepping into leadership roles for the first time. Your courage and commitment to education are deeply appreciated. We encourage you to regularly connect and collaborate with colleagues, and to reach out to us at any time for support—we're here for you.
As we begin this new school year together, a key area of professional focus will be the implementation of the new School Code of Conduct Policy—a central part of the province’s broader Safe Schools Strategy. This important shift will introduce new practices, processes, and procedures that will take time and collaboration to integrate. To help ensure a smooth transition, we encourage you to:
- Facilitate norm-setting discussions with your staff to establish shared and reasonable expectations around communication and timelines.
- Proactively engage families and the wider school community in learning about the new Code of Conduct, its purpose, and the shared responsibility we all have in modeling caring, respectful behaviour to create safe and inclusive learning and working environments.
At PSAANS, we’re continuing to grow and evolve. We’re thrilled to welcome Sharlene Whelan as our new Director of Professional Learning, as we integrate ELCNS into PSAANS to become the leading organization for professional learning excellence in public education across Nova Scotia.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to connect with you at our October Conference, centered around the theme “Leading with Empathy.” Expect dynamic speakers and interactive presentations designed to inspire and support your leadership —stay tuned for more details!
As you move from summer into September—with its renewed focus on routines and relationships—we encourage you to prioritize your own well-being and to support your team in doing the same. This year is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Celebrate your wins, lean into your strengths, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support with challenges.
As a PSAANS member, you have confidential access to our Member Services Coordinator, Andy MacNeil, and our Clinical Social Worker, Mary Hewitt. Visit our website for full contact information.
Wishing you a school year filled with connection, purpose, and joy.
Warmly,
Amy Hunt
Chair, Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia