As we begin preparing to welcome our newest learners in September, we are excited to share information about Kindergarten Gradual Entry
for the 2026/27 school year. This year, all elementary schools across the district will follow the same gradual entry schedule to provide consistency for families and students. Gradual entry is an important part of helping children transition successfully into school. It allows students to:
- Get to know one another in smaller groupings
- Develop classroom and school routines
- Build up stamina for the length of the school day
- Adjust to being around many children and adults in a school setting
- Learn where important spaces are in the school and on the school grounds
- Practice independence skills during snack and lunch times
- Give teachers and specialized staff opportunities to learn about each child’s strengths, interests and needs so we can best support them
Kindergarten Gradual Entry Schedule 2026/27
Please note that schools will determine the exact times of the Welcome to Kindergarten Event on Thursday, September 10. More information will be shared through school communications closer to the start of school including the group your child has been assigned to.
The Welcome to Kindergarten event is designed for students and their parents/caregivers to attend together. For the remainder of the gradual entry schedule, students will attend independently.
If your child has been registered for bus services and receives route information in late July, please note that our transportation system operates on regular routes only. As a result, your child’s pick-up and drop-off times on September 11, 14 and15 will differ from their regular transportation schedule, which will begin on Wednesday, September 16. We kindly ask families to plan accordingly for these initial session dates. Transportation related questions should be directed to busing@sd62.bc.ca.
We know that starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone for children and families alike. Our gradual entry process is designed to help students feel comfortable, confident and successful as they begin their school journey. We look forward to welcoming your child to our school community this September!