SchoolsPlus Sydney

05/05/2026

Red Dress Day, marked on May 5, is a day to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) across Canada. The red dress has become a powerful symbol because empty red dresses hanging in public spaces represent the loved ones who should be here but are not.

This day encourages everyone to learn, reflect, and take action to help make communities safer. It’s about showing respect, supporting Indigenous families and communities, and raising awareness so that these tragedies do not continue. Wearing red or displaying a red dress is one way to show solidarity and care.

05/01/2026

Registration for Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp opens May 6th at 11am! See their post for more details. Autism Nova Scotia Cape Breton Chapter

Save the Date – 2026 Summer Camp Applications open May 6!

Thank you for your patience as we’ve worked to plan meaningful and engaging summer experiences. This year, we’ll be using a new, more accessible application platform to better support families through the process. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage families to review the information on our website, and prepare ahead of launch day.

Here’s what to expect:

⭐ May 1 – Families can begin creating an account to prepare for launch day and add their camper details in advance, helping ensure a seamless process once the Applications open on May 6. Learn more: https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/programs/regional-summer-camps/

⭐ May 4 – The NEW Application Link will be shared through our website and social media. Please note: the forms on the link will not be live until May 6.

⭐ May 6 – Summer Camp Applications open at the following times:
• 11:00 AM – Ages 5–12 (Central, Annapolis Valley, South Shore, Strait Area, Cumberland, Cape Breton, Pictou)
• 12:00 PM – Ages 13–17 (Central, Annapolis Valley, South Shore, Strait Area, Cumberland, Cape Breton, Pictou)
• 1:00 PM – Ages 18+ (Central, Annapolis Valley, Strait Area, Cumberland, Cape Breton, Pictou)

Please Note: The South West Camp will be run through a community partner, YACRO. Registration for South West is now open, please visit https://respite.yacro.com/ to learn more.

⭐ May 31 – All families will be notified of their camper’s status, whether selected or not.

We know this year’s camps and locations may look a little different, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. View the 2026 Summer Camp FAQ to learn more: https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/?p=7105

04/07/2026

Check out the cool things happening at Anchor Youth Space this week!

From their post: “Drop in, connect and get involved , there's something for everyone and their caregiver.

All of our services and programs are free for youth ages 12 to 25 and their caregivers.

For more information email: [email protected] or call 902 590 4006”

Here's what's happening this week at Anchor Youth Space!

Drop in, connect and get involved , there's something for everyone and their caregiver.

All of our services and programs are free for youth ages 12 to 25 and their caregivers.

For more information email: [email protected] or call 902 590 4006

04/01/2026

Free virtual autism information series for caregivers of preschool aged children! Registration here: iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series

Looking for ways to support your child at home and in everyday routines?

Our Virtual Autism Education Series continues this spring with free online sessions for parents and caregivers. These sessions share simple, supportive tips from health-care professionals that you can use in daily life.

Topics include getting to know PPAS, autism, behaviour, communication, toileting, sleep, mealtimes, community resources, and more.

We’ve also added three new sessions:

Understanding Behaviour – Part 2: What We Do Next
Growing Social Connections
Safety Basics: Prevention, Planning, and Skill Building Sessions run April–June

Register: iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series or visit the link in our bio

We hope to see you there!

04/01/2026

⭐ Summer Camp Registration is NOW OPEN! ⭐

Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your place!

We’ve got an amazing summer lined up with exciting weekly themes, fun activities, and awesome field trips your kids won’t want to miss. Plus, enjoy weekly judo sessions with Northern Phoenix Judo Academy and soccer coaching with Hafid ST! 🥋⚽

Don’t wait—register today and get ready for an unforgettable summer with BGC! ☀️
🔗https://fmbgc.ca/summer-camps/

04/01/2026

You don’t have to navigate motherhood on your own.

Journeying with Mothers is a supportive virtual group where you can talk openly, learn practical tools, and connect with other caregivers navigating the same ups and downs.

You’ll leave each session with more confidence, new perspectives, and real support you can carry into everyday life.

📅 Tuesdays | 10 AM – 12 PM
📆 April 14 – June 2
📍 Online via Zoom

Spots are limited! Reach out today to secure your spot. Call/text 902-539-6868 or email [email protected]!

02/19/2026

🎭 High School Students in Cape Breton: Are You Coping with a Loss?

Schools Plus Removing the Mask program is here for you. This 6-week program, led by Lindsay Latham, offers a safe space and practical tools to help you process your loss.

This program is designed to help high school students better understand and manage their grief.

🗓️ Starts: Tuesday, February 24th
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Registration is required. Contact Lindsay Latham-Ivey at (902) 574-0001 to reserve your spot.

💙 Let’s work together to support your journey through grief.

🎭 High School Students in Cape Breton: Are You Coping with a Loss?

Schools Plus Removing the Mask program is here for you. This 6-week program, led by Lindsay Latham, offers a safe space and practical tools to help you process your loss.

This program is designed to help high school students better understand and manage their grief.

🗓️ Starts: Tuesday, February 24th
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Registration is required. Contact Lindsay Latham-Ivey at (902) 574-0001 to reserve your spot.

💙 Let’s work together to support your journey through grief.

02/18/2026

Have you been thinking about March Break? Our SchoolsPlus team has been!

Get ready to glow with SchoolsPlus this March Break! We’re hosting a FREE Black Light Paint Event for middle school students! Come dressed in your brightest neon clothing so you can shine under the black lights while you create your own masterpiece!

This is a self-directed paint experience, which means all skill levels are welcome — whether you’re a total beginner or a budding artist, this event is for you! We’ll have all the paint supplies you need, plus snacks to keep your creativity flowing. Don’t forget to stop by our photobooth to snap some black light photos with your glowing artwork and friends. Grab your friends and join us for an afternoon of color, creativity, and glowing fun — all completely FREE! 🎨✨

02/09/2026

The IWK is offering a Virtual Autism Education Series this winter! These free online sessions share simple, helpful tips from health care professionals that you can use every day to support your child’s development.

Learn about the Provincial Preschool Autism Service, autism, behaviour, communication, toileting, sleep, mealtimes, community resources, and more.

Sessions run February 2026–March 2026. Open to all parents and caregivers Online through Zoom Register by scanning the QR code or visiting

https://iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series

01/15/2026

Registration is now open in Sydney for the next cohort of Future Ready (f.k.a. Community Leadership)! For more information or to apply, please visit the link in the post below.

For more information on Future Ready you may also contact Program Educator Katie Mackenzie at [email protected].