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Parent Information and FAQs

Annual Registration Requirements

  • Do all students need to register every year?
    Yes, but not always from scratch.
    • If your child’s bussing schedule is correct and transportation needs are unchanged, you'll be asked via email to confirm it.
    • If your child is new to the district, changing schools, changing addresses, or has new bussing needs, they must (re)register.
  • Register online here 

 

Deadlines & Registration

  • Deadline to register for guaranteed bus seat:
    • Deadline is typically April each year
    • Announced via school newsletters in early spring
    • Routes will be designed based on registration received prior to the deadline
    • Courtesy riders will be accommodated where schedules and space permits and are not guaranteed to a seat
 
  • Late Registration:
    • Allowed but no guarantee of a seat or new stop
    • Routes will not be altered for late registrations

 

Route & Stop Information

  • Will the route stay the same next year?
    Not necessarily. Routes are reviewed annually
    • Your child’s pickup/drop-off times or location may change
    • Schedules are emailed mid-August
 
  • Bus Stop Arrival:
    Be at the stop 10 minutes early
    • Buses may leave up to 5 minutes early

 

Rules & Guidelines

  • Missed Pickup After School?
    • It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to meet the child
    • Be there 5 minutes before scheduled drop-off
 
  • Wrong Stop Drop-Off?
    Call the transportation office immediately at 250-365-8331 option 2
    • Students must know their stop location
    • Buses have a tracking system linked to the student’s pass
 
  • Can friends ride the bus?
    No, not permitted currently
 
  • Can drivers change the route?
     No. Routes are set annually by the Transportation Department

 

What Can Students Bring on the Bus?

Allowed:

    • Skates
    • Small musical instruments
    • Foldable scooters
    • Skateboards (not longboards)

 

All items must fit on the student’s lap and not block aisles

 

Not Allowed:

    • Skis & poles
    • Large instruments
    • Longboards
    • Hockey sticks, golf clubs, furniture
    • Unfoldable scooters
 

(If unsure, contact the Transportation Department)

 

 Late Buses & Cancellations

  • How will I be notified?
    If a bus is 20+ minutes late or cancelled:
    Notification via:
    • Parent/guardian email and phone (if opted in via School Messenger)
    • Or call (250) 365-8331 option 2

 

Catchment Areas, Serviced Zones, and Alternate Stops

  • Serviced Zones:
    • Grades K-7: Beyond 2.0 km
    • Grades 8-12: Beyond 3.0 km
  • Catchment Area:
    • Determined by the Board
  • Out-of-catchment riders:
    • Allowed if there’s room, a matching route, and registration is approved
  • Multiple Stops:
    • Students may be assigned one alternate eligible stop for daycare or an alternate residence
    • Same bus pass used for both

 

Booster Seats & Safety

  • Can my child use a booster seat?
    No – buses can't secure them properly
  • Video Monitoring:
    Buses may have video + audio recording for safety

 

Parent & Guardian Responsibilities

  1. Register your child before they ride
  2. Ensure your child knows:
    • Their bus route number
    • Your contact info and home address
    • Where to get on and off the bus
  3. Ensure that someone is present to meet your child at the bus stop if you, as the parent, determine that it is necessary.
  4. Develop a family safety plan and ensure your children are familiar with it
  5. Be early for pickups/drop-offs
  6. Teach children proper bus behavior and traffic rules
  7. Dress children appropriately for weather
  8. Be responsible for any damage your child causes on the bus
  9. Students go directly to/from their stop and destination
  10. No running to catch the bus
  11. Ensure safety to and from the bus stop