How do I find out about bussing ?
Most of the Winchelsea catchment area lies within the District walk limits which determine whether a student is eligible for bus transportation to and from school.  In some cases, students who live within the walk limits may apply for and be given courtesy rider status.  Courtesy riders are charged a premium rate for their bus pass and occupy seats on the bus which are not needed for eligible riders.  For more information go to the School District 69 Transportation page or call the transportation office:
Phone: 250-954-3028  Transportation Manager: John Watson

Does Winchelsea have a Daycare ?
Yes  …..  a private daycare provider operates Playschool (36 months to 5 years), Kindercare (kindergarten aged students), Before & After School care (5ys to 12 years).  For more information contact:
Winchelsea Promises Childcare
Lynn Moore 250 248 3686   promises@shaw.ca

Can my child attend Winchelsea if I don’t live in the Winchelsea Catchment Area ?
Students wishing to attend a school which lies outside of their catchment area must go to their neighbourhood school and complete a cross boundary application.  Cross boundary applications are approved by the District on the basis of whether there is room.  First priority is given to students residing within the catchment area.

What process do you use to assign students to classes?
Towards the end of the current school year, a draft organization of classes is made. We look at the numbers of students we expect in September and determine how many classes will we need and what grade(s) they will enroll. To ensure that we make the very best use of our staffing, we begin the school year with a reconnecting start which means that for the first two days of school students will return to the classroom they were in the previous year.  During this time, students work on classroom based and whole school learning activities.  We believe that reconnecting starts lower the anxiety that for some students is associated with the beginning of a new school year.  In addition, delaying the class formation process gives us a chance to create classes based on actual September enrolment, which significantly reduces the chance of a class re-organization once the school year has begun.  The placing of students into classes is a complex proces and is guided by the following considerations:

• Class size limits
• Special learning needs of the child (academic and social)
• Class composition – balancing the number of students with unique needs
• Social dynamics – how a child interacts with other children in the class
• Parent requests (in writing)
• Gender balance
• Positive role models in each class