Welcome Back to School!

August 27, 2024

Gilakas’la, SD85 Families, Students, and Staff

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we are excited to have you as part of the SD85 community. As summer comes to a close, the anticipation of a fresh start is in the air, and we can’t wait to see what this year holds for all of us.

A big thank-you to our small, diverse and amazing maintenance, technology and janitorial departments who industriously worked throughout the summer to ensure SD85 buildings were safe and ready to open. Lawns were mowed, repairs to facilities made, computers updated, rooms cleaned, carpets washed, and in some cases, floors or windows replaced; just to mention a few of the many things completed over the summer break. We are very appreciative of their hard work and dedication to ensure the safe and smooth operation of our sites.

A few things to note as we start the school year.

Registration

If you are new to the area and need to register or if you have moved and need to update your information, all school offices are open beginning August. 26, 2024. The first day of school for most sites is Wednesday, September 4, 2024.  Please check your local school’s website or social media site for further information on start times. All school busing inquiries should be directed to the transportation department at 250-949-8155 ext. 2521.

Personal Digital Devices

As you may know, in January 2024, the Province of B.C. mandated all School Boards update their Codes of Conduct to limit students’ use of personal digital devices during school hours.

A personal digital device is any personal digital device that can access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Additional examples of devices that may fall into this definition are smart watches, gaming devices, and electronic toys.

Please follow up with your school for further details regarding specific limitations, beyond the general guidelines below.

Elementary: The recommendation is that personal digital devices are not to be used during hours of instruction, but more substantive restrictions may be in place based on the age level of learners. This could include no use of personal digital devices during the school day. Cell phones should be turned off or placed in silent mode and be out of sight for the entire school day.

Secondary: Secondary Schools have policies on personal digital devices, which include restrictions on use during hours of instruction. There may be more substantive restrictions based on the individual school’s code of conduct. It is recommended devices be turned off or placed in silent mode and be put away before entering classes.

There are of course some exceptions, which can be found in the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s policy as well as in the Board’s Student Code of Conduct policy.

While we know this may be stressful for some learners and families, we thank you for your support, understanding, and kindness as we work through this policy change.

Student and Family Affordability Fund

In March 2024, the Ministry announced a one time top up of additional funding to Boards of Education to help offset the costs for families who may be struggling with costs of returning to school. This year, the funding guidelines have changed. Funding can be used to offset costs related to:

• Basic school supplies that are usually purchased by families (e.g. pens, paper). Many schools have already purchased these supplies for students.
• Other education-related fees (e.g. camps and field trips).
• Fees for school sports and other school activities.

If your family is experiencing financial hardship and would like to potentially access the student and family affordability fund, or would like more information, please contact your school principal in confidence for further information.

Feeding Futures Funding

The 2024-25 school year marks the second year Boards of Education will receive Feeding Futures Funding to help offset the financial costs associated with school meal programs. Schools use this funding to ensure all students have access to nutritious, healthy food during the school day. Each SD85 school has approached school meals in different ways depending on their context and will continue to adapt and modify based on what works for their learning community. If any family is experiencing financial hardship and would like further information, please contact your school principal in confidence to inquire about supports available.

We know that returning to school can be both worrying and exciting at the same time. If there is any support families may need in advance of the first day, please reach out to your local school principal to discuss options to help ease the transition.

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year of amazing learning opportunities, that are full of curiosity, kindness and success! I truly wish everyone a wonderful 2024-25 school year.

In service to learners and families,

Gilaksa’la