Summer doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of ending just yet, but summer vacation is just about over for local students.
At Chemainus Secondary School, Grade 8 and new students report Tuesday, Sept. 5 for two hours with an early dismissal at 1:10 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 6 is a full day for everyone from 8:45 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
Lori Hryniuk is the new principal, taking over from Sian Peterson. “I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the school, the kids and the staff and the community as a whole,” said Hryniuk.
Jenny Hittinger assumes a new role as vice principal, replacing Justin Hawkins who left for Mackenzie. Ashley Bell has also left to join Peterson at Maple Bay Elementary School.
New additions to the staff include: Kyle Peruniak (P.E. program and Social Studies); Kim Magnan (dance) and Kelsey Bell (English 9).
Classes at Crofton Elementary School are back in session on Tuesday, Sept. 5, with students reporting at 8:30 a.m. A two-hour early dismissal is at 12:13 p.m.
“We believe we have an increase in enrollment,” said Jen Calverley, beginning her second year as principal. “We have two new portables to help with the class size and composition things that are coming down.”
There will be five new staff members, with the latest hires being completed by the weekend.
Calverley added there’s a large Kindergarten registration this year.
“I’m hoping it’s a smooth year - lots of learning,” she summed up.
At Chemainus Elementary School, there will be an early two-hour dismissal on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 12:50 p.m. Wednesday is a full day from 9 a.m.-2:50 p.m.
“We have grown in divisions,” noted Brenda Stevenson, who’s starting her fifth year as principal of the school. “We’ve gone from 12 classrooms up to 16 classrooms.”
Some of that is the result of Bill 28, but “some of that is also growth within our school,” she added.
Stevenson said it’s also not too late for those who may be new to the area to register at the school.
“It’s a time of change and a time of growth,” she indicated.
One of the new school traditions is a field trip to Transfer Beach in Ladysmith Thursday, Sept. 7 for kids to interact and parents to get to know each other.
“It’s a nice relaxing welcome back to the school year,” noted Stevenson.
Nine new staff members are at Chemainus Elementary, including educational assistants.
At St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Chemainus, the first day of school Tuesday, Sept. 5 begins at 8:50 a.m., with an early dismissal at 10:30.
The bus will be running that day and stop times will reflect the early dismissal.
All parents and guardians are also invited to a meet-and-greet that day from 9-10:30 a.m. in the gymnasium. Coffee and muffins will be served, courtesy of the Parent Auxiliary.