Back To School

August 29, 2023 

 

Dear SESS Families, 

 

On behalf of the staff at Similkameen Elementary Secondary, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the 2023-2024 school year! In one week students will be back in our building, and we are looking forward to a great start-up. We are also very excited to welcome the new grade 5s and to share our final year with the graduating class of 2024. Here is some key information for parents as we approach the new school year: 

 

School Supplies 

The link for school supplies for students in grades 5-7 is on our school website. You can find it in the newsfeed (near the bottom of the home page) or under the “Elementary” tab and then click on “School Supply Lists”. This list was also sent home in June with your child’s report card.  

 

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 5th; 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. 5th:                 First day of school (8:30-11:15) Buses will depart @ 11:25 

Wednesday Sept. 6th:            Regular full day schedule (8:30-2:35) (elem) 2:40 (secondary) 

Thursday Sept. 14th             Welcome Back BBQ            

 

Entering the Building 

To reduce congestion, we are going to encourage 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. If you drop your elementary aged child off at the front of the school, they can just walk around the right side of the building.  (We will have adults stationed outside for the first week to guide students to the correct entrances).  

 

School Fees:  

•  

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, 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. 11th. Our free breakfast program will continue this year, but will not be available until Monday Sept. 18th. Please plan accordingly to support your child’s meals for the first few weeks of school.  

 

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 your child’s emergency contacts are.  We will be sending home a  template with your child during the first week of school, asking you to verify your place of residence and contact information. 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 250-499-2727. Our office is open all week.  

 

We are looking forward to a great year! 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Naryn Searcy and Sarah Browning (SESS Admin)