Thursday January 7, 2021 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
All elementary schools in Sooke School District (SD62) offer full day kindergarten for the youngest learners. There are 13 elementary schools in the west shore area (Langford and Colwood), four in Sooke, and one in Port Renfrew.
SD62 services families who live in Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Highlands, East Sooke, Metchosin, Juan de Fuca (west of Sooke), and parts of View Royal. As a growing school district, some of our schools are nearing capacity. Visit the SD62 Student Enrolment Priorities page to learn more.
Registration dates:
To register your child for Kindergarten in the 2021-2022 academic year in SD62, children must turn five years of age by December 31 in the same calendar year that they begin school. Registration for kindergarten is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and normally takes place in January.
Kindergarten registration is done online. To be prepared there is a general registration guide and a registration checklist.
Two phases in January 2021:
Registration for children to Kindergarten to start in September 2021 takes place in two phases. Coming up in the week of January 11 to 15 is registration for French Immersion Kindergarten and Nature Kindergarten.
Nature K is available at Sangster Elementary in Colwood and at Saseenos Elementary in Sooke (parents *must* attend a Nature K info session prior to registration).
Registration for Regular Kindergarten takes place this year during January 25 to 29. Late French Immersion registration can also be done that week.
Registration for other grades (1 to 12) can be done year-round. Registration info page
COVID in SD62:
SD62 has achieved success with COVID-19 management in their 27 schools. So far no exposures or outbreaks. Their COVID information page has links to more information on daily health check, visitor/contractor check-in, back-to-school plan, student health & safety guide.
Back in September 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and concerns were still new for everyone, some families chose not to enroll their children for in-class Kindergarten, but activities were made available online.
According to SD62 Superintendent Scott Stinson this week, about 500 students throughout SD62 are still accessing their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic (down from about 900 in September 2020 as more students return to in-classroom studies).
Kindergarten in BC:
A full day, play-based kindergarten program has long-term benefits for a child’s academic and social skills – it can help them succeed in school and in life. Access to full day kindergarten is available for all eligible five-year-olds in British Columbia.
To register your child, the parent or legal guardian should bring the following items:
- Your child’s original birth certificate, any applicable immigration documents, and/or proof of Canadian citizenship for both you and your child
- Your child’s immunization record
- Proof of your residence address (a document such as your current year property tax receipt, current month rental receipt, or a purchase/rental agreement)
