We can't wait to welcome students and families back for another school year! The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 5 for most students but there are some exceptions depending on the student's grade level.

First Day of School Information

Sept. 5 First Day of School: Kindergarten

Our schools provide a gradual entry to kindergarten over the first couple of weeks of September. This provides our youngest students with a comfortable and secure beginning to school and allows the teacher to gather important information about each student. Elementary schools will let kindergarten families know when they will start school, but most kindergarten students and families will attend for one hour on September 5. 

After the first day of school, kindergarten teachers will contact families to discuss gradual entry and work towards all kindergarten students attending for full days by September 15. Some schools may be able to have kindergarten students start full days before September 15, depending on the number of kindergarten students.

If a family would like a longer gradual entry, parents should meet with the teacher and school principal to discuss adaptations. 

Sept. 5 First Day of School: Grades 1 to 5

First Day of School: Middle & Secondary Schools

* No lunch program during the first week of school.

Sept. 5 First Day of School: Outlying Schools

* Kindergarten students and families will attend for one hour on the first day of school, but the school will let kindergarten families know the time. See the kindergarten section of this page for more information pertaining to kindergarten students.

Robron Centre

Intake appointments for newly referred students will be held August 29 and 30. Students and parents/guardians currently enrolled in Robron Centre alternate programs or eBlend will be contacted September 5 to 8 to create their learning plans. There will be no regularly scheduled classes during the first week of September 5 to 8. Classes will have a staggered start the week of September 11 to 15. 

For more information phone (250) 923-4918, starting August 29.

New Student Registrations

All new students must register by September 1 to attend their neighbourhood school (so long as the appropriate program, space and resources are available). This includes students entering kindergarten or public school for the first time and students who have moved from another school district or to a new neighbourhood.

If the neighbourhood school cannot accommodate the student, or the student registers late, the student will be placed on the school’s waitlist and required to attend another nearby school.

To register, parents/guardians are required to provide the child’s birth certificate, Care Card, and proof of the parent/guardian’s BC residency (i.e. - hydro or telephone bills).

Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)

Elementary schools will reopen August 29, except Cortes which will reopen August 30, to process new registrations and answer questions. Contact the school for specific hours.

Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)

Middle schools will reopen on August 29 to process new registrations and answer questions. Office hours are August 29 to September 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours for new students will be held on August 30 at 1 p.m. at Southgate and September 1 at 1 p.m. at Phoenix. Please call the school if you are unable to attend and we can plan a time to accommodate you: Phoenix (250) 287-8346 or Southgate (250) 923-4253.

Secondary Schools (Grades 9-12)

Registration hours: August 28 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and August 29 to September 1 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Counsellors will be available: August 29 and August 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and September 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the school to schedule an appointment: Carihi (250) 286-6282 or Timberline (250) 923-9500 ext. 2525.

If You Have Requested a Transfer to a Different School

Students with approved transfer requests can start attending their new school on the first day of school. Those who have requested a transfer but have not yet been approved, or are on a wait list, have to attend their present school until they are told that their transfer has been approved (the latest date you will be notified is September 8). Late requests can be submitted, but students will be added to the wait list and are to attend their present school until the transfer is approved. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the new school they are applying to.

Returning Late from Summer Vacation or Moving Away

Students already registered but returning late from summer break must let their school know by August 29, in writing, to ensure that they are included in the school’s enrolment count. Students not in attendance the first week will be withdrawn unless the school has been contacted.

We also ask that if you are moving out of town that you notify your school office so that we can process school waitlists as soon as possible.

Bus Transportation

School buses will run on September 5 on a modified schedule to accommodate the early dismissal times. Morning pick-up times will be the same as the 2023-2024 bus schedule. Accessible (special needs) routes will be finalized in September and parents will be contacted with information for their child.

Sept. 5 Approximate Departure Times from School

*Quadra students will take the 12:15 p.m. ferry home.