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Your Guide for the First Day of School: September 3

General News, District News
Backpack with school supplies spilling out with the words "Back-to-School September 3"

We are excited to welcome students and families back for another great year of learning!

First Day of School Information

The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 3 for most students but there are some exceptions depending on the student's grade level. 

Kindergarten: First Day of School

Kindergarten students will have a gradual entry process during the first weeks of September to help them adjust and to allow their teacher to gather 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 3.

Teachers will contact families after the first day to discuss gradual entry and will work towards all kindergarten students attending for full days by September 13. Some schools may be able to have kindergarten students start full days before September 13, depending on the number of kindergarten students.

If you would like a longer gradual entry, please discuss this with the teacher and school principal.

Grades 1 to 5: First Day of School September 3

Cedar8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
École des Deux Mondes8:40 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
École Willow Point8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Georgia Park8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Ocean Grove8:25 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
Penfield8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Pinecrest8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Quadra8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Ripple Rock8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Sandowne8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Middle & Secondary Schools: First Day of School

École Phoenix
Grade 6 onlySept. 38:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Grade 6, 7, 8Sept. 48:50 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Southgate
Grade 6 onlySept. 38:55 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Grade 6, 7, 8Sept. 48:55 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Carihi
Grade 9 onlySept. 38:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12Sept. 48:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Timberline
Grade 9 onlySept. 38:55 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12Sept. 48:55 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

* No lunch program during the first week of school.

Outlying Schools: First Day of School Sept. 3

Cortes School (all grades)8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Sayward School (grades 1-5) *8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Surge Narrows School (all grades)8:40 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

* 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 for more information pertaining to kindergarten students.

Robron Centre

Intake appointments for newly referred students will be held September 3 to 6. Students currently enrolled in alternate programs will be contacted between September 4 to 6 to create their learning plans. Regular classes will begin September 11. For more information, call (250) 923-4918 starting August 29.

School Bus Transportation for the First Day of School

School buses will run on September 3 on a modified schedule to accommodate the schools' early dismissal times. Morning pick-up times will be the same as the 2024-2025 bus schedule. Accessible (special needs) routes will be finalized in September and parents will be contacted with information for their child.

September 3 Approximate Departure Times from School

Elementary SchoolsBuses will run according to the school's dismissal time.
Middle Schools11:40 a.m.
Secondary Schools11:50 a.m.

* Quadra students will take the 12:40 p.m. ferry home.

The regular bus schedule starts on Wednesday, September 4 for all schools.

School Supplies

Each school provides their own school supply information to students. On the first day of school students typically only need a pencil. Check the school website or with the school office for supply lists or bulk purchase information.

New Student Registrations

New students must register by August 30 to secure a spot at their neighbourhood school, provided there is space and resources available. This applies to students entering kindergarten or public school for the first time, as well as those moving from another neighbourhood or school district.

If a neighbourhood school cannot accommodate a new student or if registration is late, the student will be placed on a waitlist and may need to attend another nearby school.

To register, parents/guardians need to provide the child’s birth certificate, Care Card, and proof of the parent/guardian’s BC residency, such as a hydro or phone bill.

Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)

Elementary schools will reopen on August 26 to handle new registrations and answer questions. Contact the school for specific hours.

Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)

Middle schools will reopen on August 26 to handle new registrations and answer questions. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 26 and August 28 to 30. Tours for new students will be held on August 28 at 1 p.m. at Southgate and August 30 at 1 p.m. at Phoenix. If you cannot attend, please call Phoenix at (250) 287-8346 or Southgate at (250) 923-4253 to arrange another time.

Secondary Schools (Grades 9-12)

Secondary school offices will be open from August 26 to 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on August 27 when they are open from 1 to 3 p.m. Counsellors will be available August 26 from 12 to 3 p.m., August 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and August 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call Carihi (250) 286-6282 or Timberline (250) 923-9500.

If You Have Requested a Transfer to a Different School

Students with approved transfer requests can begin attending their new school on the first day. If the transfer is not yet approved or if the student is still on the waitlist, they must continue to attend their current school until they are notified, which will be by September 6 at the latest. Late transfer requests will be added to the waitlist and must attend their current 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 in writing by August 27 to ensure they are included in the school’s enrollment count. If a student does not attend during the first week without notifying the school, they will be withdrawn. If you are moving out of town, please notify the school so that we can update waitlists.

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