Dear Mount Sentinel and Sequoia Families and Students,

As we prepare to begin another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to our returning students and families, as well as those joining us for the first time. We look forward to the opportunities and experiences that await us and look forward to fostering a vibrant and supportive learning community together.

This summer has been particularly difficult for many members of our community, especially our friends and neighbors in the Slocan Valley who have been impacted by the recent wildfires. We are extremely grateful that families have been able to return home and want to recognize the strength and resilience they have shown during this difficult time. The support from friends, neighbors, and our local community has been truly remarkable, and we are here to continue to offer our support as you transition back to normal.

As a reminder, the first day of school is Tuesday, September 3. Please note that buses will run three hours earlier than usual at the end of day. This half-day is an important opportunity for students to attend a morning class where they will receive their schedules, sign up for course changes, and meet their new and returning teachers. We will also hold a school-wide assembly for students and staff, followed by an opportunity for students to attend their first semester classes. It is essential that all students are present on this first day to ensure a strong start to the school year.  Students attending Sequoia will receive an email from Luc Boyer (Sequoia program teacher) also to welcome you back to school and to provide more information about what to expect on the first day of school and the remainder of the week at Sequoia. 

In anticipation of the upcoming school year, you will receive an updated staff roster, a school calendar with a block schedule, a school code of conduct, and our updated digital device policy later this week. This new policy aligns with the Ministry of Education and Early Childhood Care's policy on restrictions on personal digital devices in schools, ensuring a focused and productive learning environment for all students.

We are thrilled to welcome back our returning students and staff and look forward to meeting our new students and their families. To ease the transition, we will be hosting optional new student orientation sessions on Monday, September 2nd, Labor Day, as follows:

• Middle Years - Grade 7 Orientation: 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• Middle Years - Grade 8 Grade Orientation: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (for new and returning 8th grade students)

• Orientation for New Students and Their Families: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

o This session is open to all new students and their families. It gives them the opportunity to tour the school, locate classes, and ensure students have a schedule​
 

We believe that starting the year off on the right foot is the key to a successful school year and we are here to support you every step of the way. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns as we approach the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Once again, welcome to Mount Sentinel and Sequoia! Let's make this a year of growth, learning and community.

Warm regards,
Shellie

Shellie Maloff
Principal,
Mount Sentinel and Sequoia