Latest News & Announcements

School District No. 59 (PRS) is excited to partner with YMCA BC to open a before and after school care program in Tumbler Ridge.  The program is housed at Tumbler Ridge Elementary School and allows students to have a seamless transition to and from before and after school care.

"This opportunity provides families with accessible child care at their community school.  This opening will be the district's fourth before and after school care program created in the last four years, and we appreciate the effort the YMCA has put into this partnership to support us on our journey of offering more child care spaces in all regions of our district."  Christy Fennell, Superintendent.

Please contact the YMCA directly for more information or to register for the Tumbler Ridge program.

School District No. 59 (PRS) is one of six school districts hosting the Just B4 early learning pilot program. The Just B4 program is a half-day pre-school program specifically designed to support children the year before they enter kindergarten. The Just B4 program is located in Tremblay Elementary School in Dawson Creek and is housed in the same space as the StrongStart program which maximizes the use of space and resources within the school.  The pilot program is not accepting open registration at this time. The pilot program will be evaluated at the end of the school year.

Health Canada has granted the Province of British Columbia an exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, allowing the removal of criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of certain illicit substances for personal use. Decriminalizing people who use drugs is a part of the Government’s work to tackle the toxic drug crisis, intended to remove the shame and stigma associated with substance use and support people in accessing important health and social services.

It is important to note that the exemption does not apply to:

• Youth aged 17 and younger who will continue to be subject to the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This means that youth aged 17 and younger will not be permitted to possess illicit substances in any amount;
• Licensed child care or K-12 school properties where there will continue to be and are criminal penalties for possession of illegal substances, regardless of amount, while on child care and or K-12 school properties.

While decriminalization will not apply to youth aged 17 and younger, this important change could provide an opportunity to talk openly with your child or youth about substance use and addictions. The Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Expect Respect and A Safe Education (erase) website provides students, parents/guardians, caring adults, and educators with information and resources to support healthy and effective learning environments, including how to have conversations about substance use.

Schools in SD59 are now accepting Kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year.

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting time for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our learning spaces. All children who will be five years old by December 31, 2023 (children born in 2018) are eligible for the Kindergarten program beginning September 2023.  Please visit the Kindergarten Registration page for more information.

Please call your local school to set up an appointment for Kindergarten registration. If you are unsure about what school to register at please use the catchment area map.

When registering your child, you will need to provide your child's birth certificate, healthcare card, and proof of residency.