Back To School
September 1, 2022
Dear SESS Families,
On behalf of the staff at Similkameen Elementary Secondary, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the 2022-2023 school year! We are looking forward to a great year and we can’t wait to see our students again next week. We are also very excited to welcome the new grade 5s and to share our final year with the graduating class of 2023. Here is some key information for parents as we approach the new school year:
Secondary Student Timetables
Student timetables were handed out in June, and students will also receive another timetable on the first day of school. Timetables are also available on the Parent/Student Portal. If you or your child has any concerns with their schedule, please ask them to email Mr. Breneman at [email protected]
Elementary Class Lists
Class lists will be posted on the elementary school doors on the morning of September 6th; students will find out who their new teacher is at that time. Also, basic elementary supply lists are available on our school website under the “Elementary” tab at the top of the page. Any additional supplies needed will be indicated by your child’s teacher. Please note that elementary students will not be able to enter the building until 8:25.
Please note the following important dates:
Tuesday Sept. 6th: First day of school (8:30-11:15) Buses will depart @ 11:25
Wednesday Sept. 7th: Regular full day schedule (8:30-2:35) (elem) 2:40 (secondary)
Friday Sept. 9th: Grade 8 Trip to Myra Canyon
Entering the Building
To reduce congestion, we are going to maintain separate entrances to the building for elementary and secondary students. Secondary students should enter through the front door or the back door by the secondary gym. Elementary students should enter through the elementary doors at the back where the buses arrive. (We will have adults stationed outside for the first week to guide students to the correct entrances).
School Fees:
- Pay in the office by cash or cheque (please make any cheques payable to Similkameen Elementary Secondary)
- Pay online at Student Quick Pay (Pro tip: you can also add funds to your child’s lunch account here!) Instructions to create an account are HERE.
Grades 5-7- $40.00
This includes a $30.00 activity fee which will cover the costs of the elementary swimming program and ice skating. The remainder covers the cost of the student planners and locker use.
Grade 8 & any secondary students who are new to the school - $50.00
This includes a $30.00 activity fee (which includes the trip to Rockridge Canyon), and $20.00 for a refundable textbook deposit.
Grade 9-11- $30.00 This is an activity fee.
Grade 12- $110.00
This includes a $30.00 school activity fee as well as an $80.00 commencement fee which includes fees for the graduation ceremony, cap & gown rentals, photos, diplomas, etc.
Bus Registration:
All bus students must register each year they take the bus. To register your child(ren) for the 2022-23 school year please visit the School District 53 Transportation Page.
Food Services
Lunchtime cafeteria services and elementary snack cart will not be available until Monday Sept. 12th. Please ensure your child comes to school with their own lunches and snacks until then.
Student Contact Information:
As always it is essential that the student information that we have on file is up to date so that our communication with parents is timely and accurate. You can see the information we currently have on file by looking at your Parent Portal account, including who are your child’s emergency contacts. If you have moved homes, or if any of your contact information (phone number, email address) have changed then please notify the office. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
We are looking forward to a smooth start-up this year and encourage parents to access our school website for more information. Should you have any questions, please contact the school at [email protected] or 250-499-2727.
We are looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Naryn Searcy
Principal