Dear Families,
On behalf of the more than 2,400 staff of the Sooke School District, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a new school year. Whether your family is returning to one of our schools or joining us for the first time, we are grateful to have you as part of our community.
This year, our focus remains on developing adaptable learners, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging, and strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of our district.
Our staff are looking forward to creating welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environments for all students. We know that students do their best when families and schools work together. Your support, encouragement, and communication throughout the year make a real difference, and we truly value the partnership we share with our families.
As we begin the new school year, there are many simple ways families can help students feel supported and ready to learn. Small, consistent routines and encouragement at home can make a big difference. You can support your child by:
- Establishing consistent routines for bedtime, mornings, and, where appropriate, homework. Setting aside time to read each day also helps build strong literacy skills.
- Supporting regular attendance by helping your child arrive at school on time and ready to learn.
- Talking with your child about what they are learning, what they are enjoying at school, and any challenges they may be facing.
- Staying connected with your child’s school by reading school communications, participating in school activities when you can, and reaching out to teachers or school staff whenever you have questions.
- Encouraging curiosity and perseverance by celebrating effort as much as achievement.
- Setting healthy boundaries around technology to help your child balance screen time with sleep, physical activity, reading, and time with family and friends.
- Encouraging your child to be a positive influence by showing kindness, treating others with respect, and helping create a school community where everyone feels welcome.
We recognize that the start of a new school year can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Whether your child is beginning kindergarten, transitioning to a new school, or entering their final year, our staff are here to provide care and guidance so every student can have a positive and successful year.
If questions or concerns arise, we encourage you to begin by connecting with the staff member most directly involved, typically your child’s classroom teacher. If further support is needed, school administrators are there to help. Working together early and as close to the classroom as possible is often the most effective way to understand concerns and find supportive solutions.
Earlier this summer, we released our first-ever Parent Handbook, developed in collaboration with the District Parent Advisory Council. The handbook brings together information on many topics families frequently ask about and is intended to be a helpful reference throughout the school year. We are also sharing information with families this week about a new district app.
Supporting student well-being remains a priority. We encourage students and families to become familiar with the Province’s ERASE (Expect Respect & A Safe Education) resources, which provide information on student well-being, online safety, and bullying prevention. ERASE also offers a confidential reporting tool where concerns about a student’s safety or well-being can be reported at any time. If there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, always call 911.
With the increasing use of electronic transportation devices, we remind all students and families that, for everyone’s safety, students and visitors must dismount bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other personal transportation devices before coming onto school property. This applies to all schools. Families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the applicable municipal and provincial laws and regulations governing any e-transportation method their child uses.
Thank you for the important role you play in your child’s education and in helping make our schools welcoming places to learn and grow.
I hope you and your family have a great start to the school year, and I look forward to all that the year ahead will bring.
Sincerely,
Paul Block
Superintendent