Nova Scotia secondary schools will close early, exams moved

The school year will be ending one week early for the province's secondary school students.

At a briefing Tuesday, Premier Iain Rankin said the early dismissal will allow schools to hold graduation ceremonies, which must adhere to COVID-19 regulations.

"Students, staff and families will be able to gather in small groups in schools to recognize student achievement and success," Rankin said.

"They will have guidelines to ensure gathering limits and public health protocols are being followed."

Rankin called it a "large undertaking" which is expected to span several days for many schools, which is why classes will end early this year. More information is expected to come from individual schools.

And with the focus on graduations, schools will not be organizing proms, however parents or community groups are welcome to do so, as long as the rules are followed.

"By the order, there has to be a recognized business or organization to host an event," explained Dr. Robert Strang. "If there isn't, if there's just families getting together, then the maximum is 10."

"It's up to communities if they want to organize proms," he added. "If they want to have a larger prom of more than 10, then it has to be a recognized business or organization that takes on the responsibility and accountability of hosting that in a way that follows public health requirements."