Back to school Basics

Dates to Remember

September 6

Back to School

September 7

Regular School Schedule

September 23

Professional Development Day: Schools Closed

September 30

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Schools Closed

October 10

Thanksgiving Day: Schools Closed

October 21

Professional Development Day: Schools Closed

November 11

Remembrance Day: Schools Closed

December 23 to January 8

Winter Break

For Preschoolers:

StrongStart

StrongStart is SD47’s play-based learning program that runs September to June. Children from ages 0 to pre-Kindergarten can attend with a parent or caregiver.

• Westview Elementary StrongStart is open 3 days per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am-noon.

• Edgehill Elementary StrongStart is open 3 days per week: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am-noon. The program runs in portable #3 (just up the stairs to the right of the stairs).

• Henderson Elementary StrongStart is open Monday through Friday 8:45am-11:45 am.

• Kelly Creek Elementary StrongStart is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30am-11:30 am and Thursday 11:30am-2:30 pm

Follow us on Instagram for updates to the StrongStart schedule: SD47strongstart

Orca Bus Schedule

“On the Road with Children’s Activities” – Orca is an outdoor play-based learning program.

9:30 to 11:30am

Mondays • Timberlane Park

Wednesdays • Sunset Park

Thursdays • Willingdon Beach

Fridays • Sunset Park

Just B4 • Licensed Preschool

School District 47 will be offering licensed preschool at Westview and Henderson starting in September 2022. The Just B4 program is for children turning 5 and starting kindergarten in 2023.

Henderson spaces still available • from 12:45 – 3:15 pm (2.5 hours/day: Tue/Wed/Thurs). Program fee: $125/month. contact: rita.john@sd47.bc.ca

For K to 12s

Back to School Excitement

September is a transitional month for students of all ages. It’s back to school time, which means re-establishing regular routines in preparation for the return to class.

Back to school can always create a mix of emotions for students and families: excited to get back to routines and seeing friends and a little sad that summer is over. Feeling nervous is completely normal and talking about our feelings of nervousness can be helpful.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s return to school, contact the school principal. If your child has diverse abilities and you would like to know more about supports and services offered by the district, please contact the Director of Student Support Services at tawnie.gaudreau@sd47.bc.ca.

SD47 has a variety of resources and supports available to support the transition/ return to school for all ages.

• Kindergarten gradual entry

• Mental Health and Wellness Hub: www.sd47.bc.ca

• Speech and Language screening for incoming kindergarten students

• E.R.A.S.E = expect respect and safe education resources www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase

• E.A.S.E at home (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Home) healthymindsbc.gov.bc.ca/ease-at-home-k-7/

• School counsellors are an excellent resource for families and students

Be Better on the Bus

Many students take the bus to and from school each day. Students are expected to maintain good behaviour at bus stops and on the buses at all times – the same standard of behaviour that would be expected in their classroom at school. If your child takes the bus, please review the behaviour expectations outlined on the busing application, so everyone can enjoy a pleasant journey.

Safe & Easy Drop-Offs

Some caregivers drive their children to and from school. Streets outside schools are often crowded with young children walking between cars and can become dangerous. Please ensure your child knows how to use crosswalks. If you can, please avoid adding to the congestion immediately outside schools.

Before & After School Program

Each elementary school offers before and after school care for their K to Grade 5 students, five days a week.

• Before school is $2.50 per day

• After school is $7.50 per day

Registration is monthly, for the upcoming month. Contact kristen.brach@sd47.bc.ca if you have questions or would like to register.

Share your ideas about Indigenous Learning

In SD47, we believe Indigenous Education (INED) requires collective ownership, and this year we will have school staff championing INED at each school.

We have also created additional support for schools and staff through an Indigenous Success Teacher role that will focus on academic and curricular opportunities to infuse Indigenous ways of knowing and doing into elementary classrooms. We will also continue to have Indigenous student supports and cultural enrichment opportunities from our Indigenous Education team.

We are eager to hear and share the voice of the Indigenous community and will be looking for community members to participate in our ga t̓ᶿəp (the one who steers the canoe) Indigenous Education Committee.

Feedback and ideas can be directed to jessica.johnson@sd47.bc.ca

Did you know...

You can book SD47’s Outdoor Learning Centre for your private event

Our Centre can accommodate up to 150 day guests or 60 overnight guests, and most of the facility is fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.

We host weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, workshops and much more. www.outdoorlearningcentre.ca

Want to learn more? Contact us.

4351 Ontario Ave • 604 485-6271 www.sd47.bc.ca