Dear families:
This has been an exciting school year for the Sooke School District as we have seen the return of school plays, athletics, skills competitions, concerts, spirit days and celebrations. The past couple of years have been incredibly challenging on everyone in different ways. We are living in a time like no other and that can be frightening and stressful. Yet, I am optimistic. The strength, compassion and understanding that I witness in our school communities every day is a signal that we are on the right path.
I hope you have the opportunity to connect and spend time with your child(ren) during spring break. I know I look forward to spending time with my own over the next two weeks.
As we head into spring break, I would like to share some updates with you:
- Bus registration is open. It is extremely important that eligible families who require busing services for the next school year register before April 30, 2023. Routes will be finalized and registration after May 1, 2023 is extremely limited. Register now: Transportation
- The Sooke School District has engaged in a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Audit. There will be a survey going home to all families in the district in April. Please complete this survey as it will help us better understand where we are at and how to improve moving forward. There will also be a survey going home to secondary students in April. Both surveys are optional.
- We are working on our budget for the 2023-24 school year and are hoping for your feedback. You can participate in our budget engagement survey here: Budget Engagement Survey. It closes March 24, 2023.
- It is normal to have questions or concerns about your child’s learning journey. Please follow Resolving Concerns on how to proceed with sharing a concern. Social media is not an effective tool for solving concerns or challenges.
- The consultation with our Indigenous stakeholders for the naming of the new elementary school is ongoing. Thank you to everyone who participated in the public Thought Exchange. As soon as consultations have concluded, staff will present the top name suggestions to the Board of Education for final decision. The school is on track for opening fall 2025.
Thank you for the work you do as parents/guardians to support our school communities. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge our 2000 staff members that all work together to support your child’s learning journey in some way. We look forward to welcoming your child(ren) back to school on Monday, April 3. Have an enjoyable and restful spring break.
Sincerely,
Scott Stinson
Superintendent/CEO