More and more academy programs are being offered in the Sooke School District, with some even starting in the younger grade levels.
“They run at all of the high schools and three of the four middle schools,” said Wayne Kelly, district vice-principal of academies.
With the opening of academy registration for the 2017-18 school year creeping closer (Feb. 1), the District and those in charge of the various groups are looking to answer any questions that students, parents or guardians have about the programs.
Schools offering academies formerly hosted their own information sessions, but on Jan. 19 at Belmont secondary, all of the West Shore-based programs will be combined under one roof for an open house.
“We thought it would be a fun thing to do,” Kelly said, adding a number of parents have children in academies at different schools, which means it can be tricky to attend different sessions.
“We’re hoping to get a big turnout,” he noted. “We have about 720 students that partake in the academies.”
Among the changes for this fall, a new golf academy is due to start in September at the three district high schools. And the Royal Bay lacrosse program will be expanded to include girls.
The academy open house runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting with a half-hour general information session. After that, students, parents or guardians can break into smaller groups to learn more specific program and cost information about academies that interest them.
The evening promises to be informative for parents and children entering middle or high school who might be considering an academy program, Kelly said.
Registrations begin on Feb. 1 at 6 a.m. For more information call 250-391-9002 ext. 250.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com