Introduction of District Catchment and Pathway Review

The Sooke School District is reviewing school catchment boundaries and pathways to help plan for growing student enrolment and make the best use of space in our schools.

With a new secondary school opening in Langford in fall 2030, we need to plan which students will attend the new school and how this will affect other schools in the district.

We are also looking at some elementary school boundaries to help balance enrolment and reduce overcrowding.

Community feedback will be an important part of this process and will help the Board of Education make informed decisions.

What is a catchment and pathway review?

• Catchment boundaries determine which school students attend based on where they live.
• School pathways determine which middle and secondary schools students move on to as they progress through school.

As our communities grow, these boundaries and pathways may need to change to ensure schools have enough space for students.

Which schools are part of this review?

1. Planning for the New Langford Secondary School

The new secondary school, scheduled to open in fall 2030, will help reduce overcrowding at Belmont Secondary and Royal Bay Secondary.

The review will help determine:

• Which neighbourhoods will be included in the new school's catchment area.
• Which students will attend the new school and how school pathways may change.
• Which Academy programs will move to the new school.

2. Balancing Enrolment at Five Elementary Schools

We will review catchment boundaries for:

• Colwood Elementary
• Sangster Elementary
• Wishart Elementary
• SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary School
• Hans Helgesen

The goal is to better balance student enrolment and make the best use of available classroom space.

3.) Secondary School Pathway Adjustments for Crystal View and Willway Catchments

Adjust the secondary school pathways for portions of the Crystal View and Willway catchment areas, changing the designated secondary school for affected students.

What about other schools?

We know other areas of the district are growing and facing enrolment pressures.

For now, this review will focus on schools where practical changes are possible.

Some areas will not be included because there are no workable solutions available at this time. Areas that may receive funding for new school construction will also be considered separately if and when those projects are approved.

What does the District consider when reviewing boundaries?

Changing school boundaries involves more than looking at available classroom space. We consider several important factors, including:

• School capacity: How much space is available at each school?
• Community growth: Where are new homes being built, and how might that affect enrolment?
• Transportation: How will students get to school?
• Active travel routes: Are there walking and cycling routes?
• Future enrolment: How many students are expected in the coming years?
• Current enrolment: How many students attend each school today?
• Programs of Choice: How might changes affect specialized programs and Academies?
• Future Plans: Is there land purchased for future school space in the area? 

Have any decisions been made?

No. Changes to pathways and catchments have not been decided yet. 

This review is about planning for the future. Any approved changes would take effect on dates determined by the Board of Education.

As you provide feedback, we encourage you to think about what will work best for students, families and the broader community over the long term.

While community input is important, the District must also consider available space, transportation, enrolment growth, feasibility and what is realistically possible.

How can you have your say?

We want to understand what matters most to families and community members when it comes to school boundaries and pathways.

There will be several opportunities to learn more, ask questions and share your feedback.

Your input will help inform recommendations and support the Board of Education in making its final decisions.

Catchment and Pathway Review Timeline

We encourage everyone to participate, ask questions and share their perspectives. Together, we can help shape a more balanced system that meets the needs of our growing communities.