Dear Edward Milne families

The school year begins on Tuesday, September 8 for grade 9’s (8:40am -12:15pm) and for all grades 9-12 on Wednesday, September 9 (all students full day). The information included in this package will assist you and your family in preparing for the 2026/27 school year. Remember to check our EMCS Website regularly for further information and updates.

Student Course Schedule 

Grade 9s – Students will receive their schedules on Tuesday, September 8^th in the foyer in front of the theatre. A reminder to grade 9 students to meet in the theatre at 9:00am – 9:30am.

The schedule for the day:

8:40am - 9:00am – pick up your timetable

9:00am - 9:30am - assembly in theatre

9:30am - 9:50am – Block A

9:55am - 10:15am – Block B

10:20am – 10:40am – Block C

10:45am – 11:05am – Block D

11:05am – 11:35am Scavenger Hunt

11:35am – 12:15pm BBQ on the back field hosted by our Leadership Students

12:15pm Busses Start Pick Ups

Grade 10-12’s – Grade 10-12 students will be able to access their schedule via the student/family portal on Monday, August 31st. A reminder the MyEdBC instructions can be found on our web page EMCS Family Portal Instructions. 

Counselling Appointments and Course Change Requests

Counsellors return to work on August 31 and will be prioritizing the following:

• Registering new students
• Adjusting schedules based on failed courses and summer school results
• Ensuring all students have a full schedule
• Ensuring Grade 12 students have the courses required for graduation
• Addressing classes that are over capacity
• Course change requests (see below)

Course Change Requests

The school’s schedule was built based on student course requests. As a result, course change requests will be considered only in certain circumstances. We are not able to accommodate requests for changes based on preferred teachers or a desire to be in classes with friends. In

most cases, changes are also not possible when students have received the courses they requested, including their alternate choices.

Due to the volume of work at this time of year, counsellors are not able to meet with students regarding schedule changes. All requests for schedule changes must be submitted using the Course Change Request Form available on the EMCS Course Changes webpage.  https://web.sd62.bc.ca/emcs/course-changes

Once a request has been reviewed, the student will receive an email from their counsellor with one of the following:

• a revised schedule, if the requested change is possible;
• notification that the requested change is not possible; or
• a request to book an appointment if the counsellor determines that a meeting is necessary.

Students must continue attending the classes on their current schedule until they receive confirmation from their counsellor that a change has been made.

Opening Week:

Tuesday, September 8 – Opening Day (Grade 9’s only) 

Block Order ABCD mini rotation

Wednesday, September 9 – Regular School Day (all students full day)

Photo Day

Block order BA (regular bell schedule)

School begins at 8:40am, lunch from 11:35am – 12:15pm, school ends at 3:11pm

Thursday, September 10 

Block order DC 

School begins at 8:40am, lunch from 11:35am – 12:15pm, school ends at 3:11pm

Friday September 11

Block order ABCD 

School begins at 8:40am, lunch from 11:00am – 11:40am, school ends at 2:01pm

Transport

Students who have registered with transportation should have received an email outlining their route, bus number and estimated times by the end of July. If you believe the information is incorrect or you did not receive the information, please contact the School District Transportation Department at bussing@sd62.bc.ca.

Lockers

Please see clerical staff in the main office outside of class time to register for a locker. Student who had lockers last year will be automatically registered for the same locker and will have immediate access.

Code of Conduct 

The Sooke School District Secondary School Code of Conduct can be found here. Please review this with your child. Please note that smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on school district property and students are also expected to respect bylaws and neighbours.

Resolving Concerns 

Guidelines for resolving concerns can be found on the school district website. As a general guideline, communication should remain as close to the ‘source’ as possible. For example, if the topic pertains to something within the classroom, speak to the classroom teacher.

Online Consent Forms

Please ensure you read and complete consent forms for each student here: Consent Form Portal

Please note that we require parents to pre-arrange phone or in-person appointments with staff. Teachers, Counsellors and Vice Principals have busy schedules, and we want to make sure they can set aside the time needed to meet with you.

Important Dates for September 2026 School Start-Up

August 31– Sept 4 EMCS open for Counselling appointments for Grade 11 and 12 course changes only (starting at 10 am on Wednesday, September 2^nd)

September 7 – Labour Day (No school)

September 8 – First day of school – ½ day for all Grades 9’s ONLY (8:40 to 11:45 pm). School buses will begin picking up just after 12pm. Grade 9 orientation – Students will go through full class rotation and meet all their teachers

September 9 – Full day – All Grades 9 - 12

September 9 – Picture Day (retakes Oct 22)- more information to come

September 21 – School Planning Day (School not in session)

September 22 – Fire Drill #1 @ 1:30 am

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

We are looking forward to reconnecting with our returning students and welcoming those who are new to the EMCS community.

Mike Bobbitt

Principal, Edward Milne Community School

250-642-5211