Dear Families,
On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to share a warm welcome back to students, staff, and families to our schools across the District!
The start of a new school year is a chance to try something new and look ahead to what the year may bring. No matter where your child is on their learning journey, there will be opportunities to learn, grow, make connections and set new goals.
Every school year is busy, and this one is no different. On September 1st, we proudly opened a new child care centre at Hans Helgesen Elementary, operated by the YMCA. We have also added 24 new before- and after-school care spaces at Sooke Elementary, with another 12 coming soon to Ruth King Elementary. These additions continue to expand access to child care for families across our communities. This brings the District up to 7 Board-operated child care programs and 12 third-party operated child care sites located on school grounds.
We are also looking forward to two significant capital projects moving ahead this school year: North Langford Secondary School and the seismic replacement of Port Renfrew Elementary. We anticipate breaking ground on North Langford Secondary before winter break, with work on Port Renfrew expected to begin in the new year. These projects are important investments in our growing communities and in the future of our students.
As a parent, I know this time of year can bring excitement but also stress and anxiety as our children adjust to new routines, environments and social circles. Families do not have to navigate those challenges alone. The BC Children’s Hospital Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and FamilySmart offer information, tools and support for parents and caregivers who may have questions about their child’s mental health, well-being or changing needs. You can also reach out to your child’s school, where staff can help connect families with the right supports and resources.
At a time when there are so many pressures and uncertainties beyond our control, my hope for this school year is that we focus on what we can do here, in our own communities. One of the strengths of public education is that it brings together people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, all with something to contribute and something to learn.
Building strong communities requires all of us — students, staff, families, Trustees and community partners — to stay connected, helping one another, treating each other with respect and working through differences together. When we do that, we create safe and welcoming places where students feel supported and ready to learn.
We wish you and your family all the best for the 2026/27 school year. As Trustees, we remain committed to listening to the families and the communities we serve. If you would like to connect with the Board of Education, you can reach us at trustees@sd62.bc.ca.
Sincerely,
Amanda Dowhy
Board Chair
Trustees: Christine Lervold, Cendra Beaton, Russ Chipps and Trudy Spiller