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Farewell, summer: New Westminster schools are back in session

Here are a few reminders for the 2023-24 school year.
Julie MacLellan
Julie MacLellan

Labour Day is behind us — and that means New Westminster schools are back in session.

Students in School District 40 returned to school on Tuesday, Sept. 5 for an introduction to the 2023-24 school year, while the first day of classes for most was Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Kindergarteners in the district's eight elementary schools are beginning their gradual entry to school over the next couple of weeks.

Students in grades 1 to 5 at Connaught Heights Elementary School took some time out of their lunch hour on Wednesday to meet with the Record for some back-to-school photos — and to help issue a visual reminder that drivers need to slow down in school zones once again.

School zones are in effect 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days (though the City of New Westminster is looking at ways to potentially extend those hours).

A few other reminders for SD40 parents:

  • If you don't already have all your school supplies, check your school website for a supply list or watch for news from your child's classroom teacher.
  • Watch for an email and a link to your School Cash Online portal for start-of-the-new-year administrative information, including general SD40 permission forms and emergency contact forms.
  • The Fuel Up lunch program begins delivering lunches again on Tuesday, Sept. 19. More information about the district's new lunch provider, and information about setting up a new Fuel Up account, will be sent to families by Friday, Sept. 8. Watch your email.
  • The first non-instructional day of the school year is set for Monday, Sept. 18. You can find a PDF of the 2023-24 school district calendar online.
  • The first school board meeting of the year is set for Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m., both online and in-person at the school district offices at 811 Ontario St. Watch the SD40 website for an agenda and meeting links at the end of the week before. 

Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected] 

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