If you are… a Student

WHAT IS THE NSSSA?

The Nova Scotia Secondary Schools Students' Association is a non-profit organization run for the benefit of students across Nova Scotia. The organization is run by student leaders and focuses on leadership development at the high school level.

WHO CAN GO?

If your child is a High School Student (Grades 10-12) you are welcome at conference all regional, Inclusion and Provincial conferences.  If your child is in grades 7-9 their region may offer a one-day Jr. High School conference.  Any grade nines that attend a regional Jr. High School conference are welcome to attend the Provincial Conference.

All students are welcome at conferences!

HOW DOES THE NSSSA PROMOTE LEADERSHIP?

Throughout the year there are various events such as two-day regional conferences, one-day regional Jr. high school conferences, a one-day Inclusion conference for students with special needs in March, a province-wide dance and a four-day provincial conference in May.  NSSSA conferences operate in an exciting, fun, friendly and non-judgmental environment.

WHAT HAPPENS AT CONFERENCES?

Skillbuilding sessions are composed of 8-10 students, and two experienced student facilitators. Students gain various leadership skills such as communication, personal leadership, working under pressure, and group dynamics through various fun and exciting activities.  Outside the skillbuilding sessions there are other activities, such as motivational speakers, how-to sessions, a group leadership challenge (also known as the EPIC), a talent show and high energy sessions. Meals are also provided as part of the conference fee.

ARE THERE ANY RULES AT CONFERENCES?

YES! There are a few rules you must know before your child comes to conference:

There are absolutely no drugs or alcohol allowed on the campus. Anyone found with these in their possession will be sent home at their own expense.

People are not allowed on the residence floors of the opposite sex.

Students are not permitted to leave the campus at any time except with the permission of the Conference Co-Chairs. Special trips can be organized to purchase forgotten items.

Everyone attending the conference will be expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner. They must treat the facilities, equipment and campus grounds with respect. Anyone causing damages (lost, stolen, or broken items) will be billed after the conference.

Chaperones, Advisors and Certified First Aid people will be present to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe experience.

HOW DOES YOUR CHILD BENEFIT?

Does your child like sports, music, academics, hanging out, volunteering, or maybe planning parties? Anything that your child likes to do is associated with leadership. In every day of life there are opportunities for any student to be a leaded; whether it is setting a good example for others (maybe by doing homework or practicing hard at a task), being encouraging to a teammate, helping someone who is struggling with a task, taking on the responsibility of planning something, or even something as small as saying hello to someone know and demonstrating kindness.

There are no limitations to leadership, and at an NSSSA conference the positive energy, motivation and new life long friends helps people to recognize their own leadership skills and how they can apply them to their lives. The NSSSA also offers an endless variety of opportunities for students to get involved with the organization; we encourage you to encourage your child to get involved with the NSSSA!

HOW CAN YOUR CHILD GET INVOLVED?

For information regarding the regional conferences, you can check via the homepage which region you belong to and visit that regions page under “Regional Information”

For information regarding the Inclusion Conference click here.

For information regarding the Provincial Conference click here.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE ORGANIZATION?

The NSSSA is divided into three main groups, the Provincial Cabinet, the Inclusion Committee and the Conference Committee.

The Provincial Cabinet takes care of the day to day running of the organization. It is usually compounded of a president, vice president and 12 regional co-premiers. These positions are filled by election at the provincial conference in May.  Also sitting on Provincial Cabinet are members such as 2 Conference Co-Chairs, 2 Inclusion Co-Chairs, a Provincial Advisor, a Webmaster, public relations, a secretary, and a treasurer.

The Inclusion Committee and Conference Committee organize the organization’s provincial conferences.  The Inclusion Committee organizes a one-day conference for students with special needs, held in March, while the Conference Committee organizes a four-day provincial conference, held in May.  Two sets Co-Chairs, appointed by the President and Vice-President, run the committees.  Both the Conference Committee and the Inclusion Committee includes positions such as secretary, treasurer, 3-tions, WENDY, Public Relations, Skillbuilding Co-Chairs, Head Chaps, Head Logistics, Head First Aid, and Warm Fuzzies.  For more information on these positions, see click here.

There are also Regional Cabinets in each of the 6 regions of the province.  For more information on getting involved with your region, either by joining a cabinet or attending a conference, you can check via the front page which region you belong to and visit that regions page under “Regional Information”.