Do you have a child who will be starting kindergarten? Are you new to the district and wondering how to register your child? If so, we wish you a warm welcome to School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)! Information to help you register can be found below.
A school locator tool can be found by clicking here (Will open in new window)
If, by chance, this locator tool does not work for you, please call our staff at the Operations Department at (250) 832-9415 and they can tell you what your child’s catchment area school will be, and, if your address is serviced by a school bus! Any students who will be riding the school bus must also register with the transportation department by calling (250) 832-9415. Thank you!
Kindergarten registration (including Early Immersion & Outdoor Learning)
In B.C. children can start kindergarten in September of the year they turn five years old. SD83 opens kindergarten registration for the upcoming school year on the third Wednesday of January (for example starting in January 2024 you can register your child for kindergarten for September 2024). This early date allows for more equitable access and better planning. To register please call the school your child will be registering at and make an appointment to come in (COVID protocols will be in place).
All Kindergarten registrations completed on that date in January are treated as “equal”, so there is no need for line-ups on that day. Registrations received after that date, will be date/time stamped and treated on a first come, first served basis. This information will be used to determine placement IF catchment area schools or programs are full. Students with siblings already registered in a Program of Choice (French Immersion or Outdoor Learning) will be given priority if there is limited space.
If you are not sure which school your child will attend or wonder about whether your area is serviced by a bus, please contact our Operations department (250-832-9415) or click on this link and follow the online prompts. PLEASE NOTE: Username and password for this link are both “guest“.
Want to Register Online?
An online registration option is available for parents registering their child for school.
Parents wishing to access this online tool should call their catchment area school, which will give you a link and information about registering. This will include a phone number for a Help Desk in case you run into any difficulties.
Not sure which catchment area you are in? Click here
French Immersion Registration
Are you are interested in registering your child for early French Immersion (Kindergarten & Grade 1) or late French Immersion (Grade 6)? Please register at Bastion Elementary at (250) 832-3741 for early immersion beginning the third Tuesday in January or Shuswap Middle School (250) 832-6031 for late. Typically students register for late immersion in March of their Grade 5 year.
If you have any questions or concerns about French Immersion please contact Megan Weir at (250) 832-3741.
Outdoor Learning Program at South Canoe Registration
If you are interested in registering your child for the Outdoor Learning Program please contact the school at (250) 832-3122.
Registration September through June
Parents new to our district are asked to register their child(ren) at their neighbourhood school. If you are unsure which is your child’s catchment area school, please contact our Operations Department at (250) 832-9415 or check the School Locator.
If you wish to register your child in a school that is not in your catchment area, please complete the Cross Boundary Form and submit it to your catchment area school. A request for transfer is considered based on the availability of space, facilities, and resources at the receiving school. Most decisions will be confirmed during the first week of September.
More specific information about the process is contained here.
Documentation to be Presented at Time of Registration
In order to meet Ministry of Education requirements, the school district must have documentation for all students entering K-12.
Documentation includes (complete documentation requirements available here):
- Appropriate proof of citizenship or status in Canada for both students and parents, and appropriate proof of age for students. Examples are an original birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate, immigration or refugee documentation
- Guardianship or any legal document that names your child (ie custody agreement) – (if required)
- Appropriate proof of residence
- Most recent report card from previous school, if available
For students entering Kindergarten:
As above, plus your child’s BC Services Card, medical and emergency contact information would be greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions please give the district office a call at (250) 832-2157.
Thank you and welcome to School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)!