2023-2024 Back to School Package
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A PDF version of the Back to School Package can be found HERE.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
On behalf of the Board of Education, we’d like to welcome everyone to the 2023/2024 school year! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer, and please note that we are excited to see familiar faces and to welcome some new ones.
The 2022/2023 school year was exciting. We saw the transfer of the Coast Mountain Outdoor School lands to Lil’wat Nation, the completion and sale of the Pemberton House (built with students), the raising of the Welcome Figure at Porteau Cove, successful dry grads, and we re-visited and edited a number of our policies. It has also been an honour to work with the three new trustees; we work well together, and all bring a different perspective.
We will be working hard to ensure that we continue to communicate and engage with stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, support staff, unions and rightsholders. We are also working with the Ministry and our provincial organization, the British Columbia School Trustee Association (BCSTA), to advocate for our district and for educational needs to help achieve the best student outcomes. We are proud that our board and staff have been asked to participate in provincial committees related to issues in education. I am looking forward to attending the all board chairs and MLAs meeting in Victoria, scheduled in October, to advocate for education.
In line with our Education Plan, “Pathways to Learning,” we continue to support early learning and after-school care programs where we can. On another note, we are hopeful that our busing issues have been addressed for a seamless start to the school year.
Please note that information about the Board of Education, including contact information, Board Meetings, and Board Policies, can be found on our district website here.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Barley
Board Chair
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
As we near the start of the 2023-24 school year, I want to take a moment to welcome back our returning staff, families, and community partners. And a huge welcome to those families joining us for the first time! Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your child. SD48 staff are truly exceptional, and we look forward to getting to know you better and doing our very best for your child.
If you haven’t already, you will soon receive school start-up correspondence from your child’s school. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions. For your convenience, please click on Squamish area, Whistler area, and Pemberton area links to find your school contact information and website.
During this time of reconnection and anticipation, it's important that we pause to acknowledge the challenges faced by families and friends beyond our immediate district community. The recent wildfires in British Columbia have touched the lives of many, causing distress and uncertainty. Our thoughts go out to those who have experienced the impact of these fires, and we wish for the safety and well-being of all those affected. If any of your loved ones are enduring these challenges, please know that our support and caring thoughts extend beyond our school walls.
Students, whether you’re returning or brand new to us, remember to think of the school as your school. You belong, and you are welcome just as you are. This year, I hope you make great friends, stretch your thinking as you learn new things, and discover all the amazing ways you can contribute to your school community.
I’d also like to welcome all of our new school and district staff. You are in an incredible place, and I know that you will make it even better. To all staff, I hope you enjoyed your break and had quality time with your friends and family. And I already haven’t done so, I look forward to meeting you in person.
The 2023-24 school year also marks the inaugural year the new Ministerial reporting order comes into effect. You can expect to receive email correspondence from your home school(s) providing more information. In the meantime, please take a look at the information here on our district website regarding reporting.
In addition to welcoming everyone back, please consider this letter your invitation to join us at the first Board Meeting of the year on September 13. We’ll be talking about district priorities for the year ahead and sharing other information you may find interesting. You can learn about our Board Meetings and ways to attend here.
Have a wonderful Labour Day long weekend, and don’t forget that the first day of school is Tuesday, September 5th! Whoever you are, make this the year you find one more way to be involved in this incredible district of ours. There are so many opportunities for everyone. I look forward to another year of learning together.
Sincerely,
Chris Nicholson
Superintendent of Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Regular Board of Education meetings are usually held at 6:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month, from September to June. The meeting schedule is posted here.
If you would like to appear as a delegation before the Board, please submit your detailed request two weeks prior to the Board meeting. The ‘Application to Appear Before the Board’ form is available here. Please contact the School Board Office at (604) 892-5228 if you require additional information.
STRONGSTART
StrongStart registration has returned to drop-in (birth certificate is mandatory). StrongStart programs run from September to June from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Monday to Friday, at StrongStart Centres located at Squamish Elementary School, Valleycliffe Elementary School, and Signal Hill Elementary School. This drop-in program, designed for 3 and 4-year-olds, begins the second week of school. Children 0-5 years are welcome! Children must attend with a parent or caregiver. This program is free. More information here.
KINDERGARTEN
Children eligible for September 2023 registration for Kindergarten must have their 5th birthday on or before December 31, 2023. A Birth Certificate is required for registration. For most elementary schools, regular kindergarten classes do not start until the second week of school. Please contact your catchment area school for more details. Contact information for all schools can be found on our School District website.
FRENCH IMMERSION
In Squamish, Early French Immersion for Kindergarten/Grade 1 entry is being offered as a Program of Choice at Garibaldi Highlands and Squamish Elementary Schools. Late French Immersion (Grade 5 entry) is available at Spring Creek Community School in Whistler and Signal Hill Elementary School in Pemberton. More information about French Immersion can be found here.
NEW STUDENT REGISTRATIONS
Registration for new students is currently open for the 2023-2024 school year. Boundaries are designated for each school. Students may be permitted to attend a school other than their catchment area school; however, they must first register in their catchment area school and then apply for a transfer. Registration forms and applications for transfer are available at the School Board office, schools, and on our School District website. Completed registration forms are to be submitted directly to the catchment school.
SCHOOL CALENDARS
The Board has approved school calendars for 2023-2024, which include a two-week spring break. The complete list of non-instructional days for each school is available on the School District website by contacting the individual schools and the School Board Office at (604) 892-5228.
BUSSING
The Sea to Sky School District provides students with a safe, effective, and efficient transportation system to and from school. We are proud to offer our school bus service to our school community, even though the Ministry of Education does not require it.
All students seeking bus transportation are now required to register annually to receive a bus pass and to have a bus seat allocated. We encourage you to review District Policy 806 for more information about your child’s eligibility for school bus transportation. Please visit the School Bus Information webpage.
SCHOOL NEWS APP
Your school has been added to the School News app by Edlio. It’s a simple way to view your school’s news feeds and calendars and also receive push notifications directly from the school. Access the Quick Start Guide for simple instructions on how to download the app here.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL INFORMATION
Kindergarten students usually start the second week of school. Please contact the school if you have not already received confirmation of the start date and time, or check out your school’s website for Kindergarten entry details. Grades 1 to 12 students’ first day of school is September 5, 2023.