News Stories

Halloween is coming and we know that many students will arrive at school in wild, imaginative, and creative costumes! This marks an important time to re-visit our expectations as a district regarding what kind of costumes may be worn at school.

All costumes must:

Deputy Minister's Bulletin - Ministry of Education
Special Update October 1st, 2021 

In order to keep our SD8 learning environments safe and inclusive, we are reminding students, staff and other adults (i.e. Visitors) that they are required to complete a daily health check prior to entering a school or worksite. The Daily Health Check helps to reduce the likelihood of individuals coming to a school or any school district work site when ill.

An updated Daily Health Check from the B.C. Ministry of Education (updated September 22nd, 2021) lists what to do when experiencing symptoms of illness.

SD8 Kootenay Lake will be joining the province and the country with the new federal statutory holiday on September 30th, as an acknowledgement of the atrocities of the residential school experiences here in our country.  This day will be a day for district wide reflection on reconciliation and history, and our shared responsibility in moving education forward in truth and reconciliation.  

Dear Students, Parents & Guardians,

With the official school start day approaching quickly, we know many families are preparing for the start of new school year.

All elementary and secondary classes will begin at regular start times on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.  Please note that the first day of classes will be an early dismissal day. Dismissal times for all schools will be 3 hours earlier than usual. Ensure you check your school website for start and pick up times.

Student Transportation & Bussing

Do you like experiencing international cultures, making global friendships, and building an intercultural mindset? Then hosting an international student could be right for you!

View the poster for more information and how to apply.

Dear School District 8 – Kootenay Lake Community,

SD8 Kootenay Lake acknowledges and honours the lands of the Ktunaxa peoples, on whose traditional territory our school district operates. We honour the lands of the yaqan nukiy peoples on whose territory our schools operate. It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we also acknowledge the 182 unmarked graves at the former St. Eugene Residential School at ?aq’am.

Dear SD 8 Families and Staff,

In a world that is growing smaller every day, cultural competencies are increasing in importance. One great way to have an international experience, right here at home for you and your family, is to welcome an international student into your home.

The Kootenay Lake School  District is hoping to welcome international students back into our schools and communities. International students allow for our communities, families and local students to learn about other cultures and to make global friendships.

SD8 Kootenay Lake anticipates growth in trades training for students

What was anticipated to be a year of upheaval due to pandemic protocols and resulting program constraints, the Youth Trades program for SD8 - Kootenay Lake is finishing the school year on a high note.

SD8 Kootenay Lake releases commemorative publication

The 2020-2021 academic school year marks the 70th anniversary of two SD8 – Kootenay Lake secondary schools in the Slocan Valley. You can now read all about the history of public education at Mount Sentinel Secondary and W.E.Graham Community School in a new publication: Valley High – Seventy Years of Secondary Education in the Slocan Valley.