The 2015/16 school year kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 8 as the Cowichan Valley School District welcomes back all Grade 1-12 students for a full day. Kindergarteners will be phased in bit by bit.
"To better support the transition into school, kindergarten students have a gradual entry," a statement from the district said. "Your school will be phoning you to arrange appointment times. If you have not yet heard from your school, please contact them."
If you are new to the district, you can find your neighbourhood school by using the school locator at www.sd79.bc.ca (under Quick Links). Then you can register your child at the school or contact the principal.
Ministry of Education requirements for registration include evidence of the student's birth certificate or passport as well as the parent's identification and proof of residency; a BC Care Card is not acceptable. Parents should accompany the student and bring the student's most recent report showing final marks to help facilitate proper placement.
All schools in the Cowichan Valley district offer full-day kindergarten. Children entering kindergarten in September must be five years old by Dec. 31, 2015. What's needed as well is a student's birth certificate or passport as well as the parent's identification and proof of residency; again, a BC Care Card is not acceptable.
Students with special needs who register during the year will start school after a transition meeting has been held at the school. New students who register during the year will start attending on the following day.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, all elementary and secondary school bus routes will follow the posted bus schedules.
To find your bus route, check www.sd79.bc.ca/departments/transportation/bus-routes
Students are asked to be at their particular bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival.