School District 72 Prepares for New Academic Year: Key Details

As the countdown to the 2025-2026 academic year begins, parents and students in School District 72 are urged to prepare for the upcoming school year. The district has outlined key information regarding school schedules, registration details, and gradual entry processes for new students.

Key Dates for Students and Parents

The first day of school is set for September 2, 2025. Kindergarten students will experience a gradual entry process designed to ease their transition into the school environment. On this initial day, they will attend for just one hour, although specific times will be communicated to parents directly by the schools. After this first encounter, teachers will reach out to parents to discuss the subsequent schedule, with most students expected to begin full-day attendance by September 10 or 11, depending on their respective schools.

For students in Grades 1 to 5, the school year will also commence on September 2, but these students will return home before lunch. School start times vary across the district:

– Cedar: 8:45 to 10:15 a.m.
– École des Deux Mondes: 8:40 to 10:15 a.m.
– École Willow Point: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
– Georgia Park: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
– Penfield: 8:45 to 10:15 a.m.
– Pinecrest: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
– Quadra: 8:45 to 10:15 a.m.
– Ripple Rock: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
– Sandown: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Middle and secondary school schedules vary slightly. For example, Grade 6 students at École Phoenix Middle School and Southgate Middle School will attend classes from 8:55 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the first day. They will be joined by Grade 7 and 8 students on the following day, who will attend from 8:55 a.m. to 2:50 p.m..

Grade 9 students at Carihi and Timberline Secondary Schools will also start on September 2, with Carihi’s students attending from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Timberline’s from 8:55 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.. The full student body at both schools will return for regular hours the following day.

In addition, outlying schools such as Sayward will have students in Grades 1 to 5 attending from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while all grades at Cortes and Surge Narrows will have varying hours on the same day.

Registration and Important Requirements

The Robron Centre will facilitate intake appointments for newly referred students from September 2 to 5. Students already enrolled in alternate programs will meet with staff to establish their learning plans between September 2 and 9, with regular classes commencing on September 10. Parents looking to register new students must do so by August 29 to secure placements, although availability will depend on space and staffing.

Registration requires specific documentation, including a child’s birth certificate, BC Service Card, and proof of a BC address such as a utility bill. Elementary schools will reopen for registration on August 25, while middle schools will also open on this date. Tours for incoming Grade 6 students at Southgate are scheduled for August 27 at 1 p.m.

Secondary school offices will also open for registration on August 25 and from August 27 to 29, with varied hours. For instance, Timberline will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while Carihi will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. School counsellors will assist students in selecting classes on August 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again on August 26 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Students who have received approved transfers can start at their new school on the first day. However, if a transfer request is pending or on a waitlist, students must remain at their current school until notified by September 5. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the new school.

Lastly, parents of students who will miss the first week of school should inform the school in writing by August 26. Failure to notify may result in withdrawal from the school. For those utilizing school bus services, students must possess a bus pass to ride. Further information regarding bus routes and applications can be found on School District 72’s Student Transportation webpage.

For more inquiries, parents can reach out to the district office at (250) 923-4918 starting August 29.