Welcome Back Students and Families Message Aug 25 2025
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Gulf Islands Secondary School
Learning | Community | Creativity
August 25, 2025
Welcome Back!
Welcome back Gulf Islands Secondary School students and families for the 2025-2026 school year. A special welcome to our new students and families, including Grade 8s and our new Grade 10s from Galiano, Mayne, Saturna and Pender Islands.
Long email warning! There is a ton of important information in this email, please take some time to have a read through so that you are ready to start your school year!
The Year Ahead
Our Shared School Values
The shared values at GISS are the main things, the most important things and the things that help describe what we are all about. The three GISS Shared School Values are:
Learning - Growing through challenge, curiosity, and reflection.
Community - Caring for each other and building belonging.
Creativity - Turning ideas into possibilities that make a difference.
Deepening Learning
Through this year’s School Plan, we’re excited to continue our focus on enhancing Deeper Learning Experiences and Outcomes this year. Deeper Learning is one of the key Attributes of a Gulf Islands Secondary Learner, a set of desired outcomes for students at our school. Students deepen their learning when they engage in experiences that intersect:
Mastery - Developing deep expertise through practice, persistence, and purpose.
Identity - Connecting learning to who you are and who you’re becoming.
Creativity - Designing and making original work that matters in the world.
We are excited to continue exploring these experiences and outcomes this school year. We look forward to sharing how it’s going through School Newsletters, social media, in-person events and our new Student Newspaper that we will be starting this year!
Collaborative and Supportive Community
A collaborative, supportive community—both in structure and in spirit—is essential for deeper learning. We will continue to focus the year on how we show up for ourselves and for one another as a community.
New Staff
We have a few staff changes this year. Math teacher Susan Robinson is back at GISS after a year away supporting district numeracy instruction and assessment. Additionally, we welcome two new support staff members: Kristen Duquette is replacing Jessica Wilson (who is now at the School Boad Office) as an Administrative Assistant, focusing on school finances and accounts, and Seth Klapman is returning after a year at Fulford Elementary as an Education Assistant. We would also like to welcome back Lisana Dodd, who will be the main Indigenous Youth Care Worker at GISS this year.
Grade 8s and New Students Welcome Event – This Thursday Aug 28th 11am-12pm
This Thursday morning, the school will be open for students who want to familiarize themselves with the campus before the first day. Grade 8s and new students should arrive at 11 am to be welcomed by the School Leadership Team Mr. Massey, Mr. Shugar and Ms. Mitchell, and our Office staff. They will receive their Start Up Package, have the option to try out their lockers, and get to walk around the campus to check out where their classes will be. We’ll have printed schedules for Grade 8s to help them get acquainted with their classes and the school layout. Some of our Leadership Students will be here as well to help students find their way around and get into their lockers.
Returning Grade 9-12 students are welcome to drop by between 12 pm-1 pm to pick up a student package and do a self-guided tour if they wish.
Please note that this visit is optional. Students who cannot attend will receive their packages and all necessary information first thing on Tuesday morning, the first day of school in their A-Block class.
First Day Back – Tuesday, September 2nd School Starts 8:54am
Next Tuesday, September 2nd, is our first day back! It will be a half-day, where students will meet their teachers, get introduced to each of their classes, and join us for our yearly Welcome Back Assembly. See the schedule below:
First Day of School Schedule: Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 - 8:54 am-12:25 pm
8:49 am – Warning Bell
8:54 am – A-Block #1: Student Packages and School Information
9:15 am – Start Loading Gym (we will call students by grade to the gym over the PA)
9:30 am – Whole School Welcome Back Assembly
10:10 am – A-Block #2: Class Information
10:45 am – B-Block
11:20 am – C-Block
11:55 am – D-Block
12:25 pm – Dismissal
Water Taxi and Bus Schedules for Early Dismissal – September 2nd, 2025
Please refer to the links provided for this year’s Water Taxi and School Bus schedules and routes on the SD64 Transportation website. The Early Dismissal Water Taxi schedule and the Early Dismissal Bus Schedules for the first day of school are also available. If you have any transportation-related questions, please visit the SD64 Transportation website.
Student Schedules and Course Change Requests
The MyEd Portal will open for students to view their schedules this Thursday, August 28th, at 9 am. Students, please check your schedules to ensure you know where you’re headed on the first day! Grade 8s remember that we will have a printed schedule for you at the Welcome Event if you can attend.
If any students or families saw a schedule last week, please know that it may have changed, and you need to access it again on Thursday, when your correct schedule will be posted.
For Grade 10-12 students who have questions or would like to request course changes, please contact a counselor by email (Nia: nwilliams@sd64.org or Tony: tmarshall@sd64.org) to book an appointment. Course change requests will close at the end of the day on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, at 4pm.
Please note that our school timetable is built based on course requests from the previous year, and we strive to meet all students’ needs. However, not all course change requests can be accommodated. We prioritize students with incomplete schedules and requests that are related to graduation requirements or post-secondary plans.
Accessing the Student/Parent MyEd Portals
Once again, schedules will be posted in the MyEd Portal on Thursday, August 28h at 9 am. Instructions about how to login for previous users and new users will be sent first thing Thursday. New users will also be sent their login name and temporary password that they can use to get in for the first time.
We encourage all new students and families to get connected to the portal as we use it every year for important information including accessing schedules and posting Learning Updates (Report Cards.)
As always, if you encounter any difficulties after following the instructions, please contact the school office at 250-537-9944 or email Heather at giss@sd64.org for assistance.
Logging into Your Student Microsoft Account (Including Email)
All SD64 students are provided with a Microsoft 365 account, which includes access to a Microsoft Outlook email account that they use for school purposes. New students and Grade 8 students will receive guidance on accessing their Microsoft accounts during their A-Block class in the first week of school.
Student Wi-Fi
All students and guests can use the ‘SD64 Guest’ Wi-Fi network at GISS for personal devices. Password: gulfislands
Lockers
All Grade 8 students are assigned lockers. Those who are able to attend the optional Welcome Day Package Pick-Up and Info Session on August 28th will be able to access their locker that day. For those who cannot attend, lockers will be assigned and distributed during A-Block on the first day, with support available to help students get familiar with using them.
Grades 9-12 students can request lockers on the first day from their A-Block teacher. We aim to have all lockers assigned by the second week. Please note that lockers are pre-assigned, and requests for specific placements cannot be accommodated.
Website and App Reminder
Our SD64 Website and connected App have greatly improved communication efficiency. We encourage all students and families to download the SD64 Gulf Islands School District App from the App Store or Google Play. Select Gulf Islands School District, Gulf Islands Secondary School, and other schools if you wish, as Content Sources when prompted. Be sure to ‘Allow Notifications,’ as these will be used to communicate school news and updates, including inclement weather notices.
The App is the easiest way to check the daily Block Order and school events, located in the Calendar section. You also can quickly check the Daily Announcements and Report a Student Absence through the Quick Links.
Fees
Please note that there is no general student fee at GISS. However, fees may be requested for optional items like take-home projects, athletics, field trips, yearbooks, special programs and/or Graduation events. Students will be prompted throughout the year about these fees as appropriate. A list of potential fees can be found on our school website under Parents-> School Fees.
If any school-related fees cause financial hardship, we can accept payment by installments or make other arrangements. SD64 (Gulf Islands) has a School Fees Waiver Policy. If you are unable to pay, please contact Principal Ryan Massey at 250-537-9944 or rmassey@sd64.org. All requests will remain confidential.
New Address for e-transfers
We have a new email address to receive any e-transfers for any payments you may have. The new address is easy to remember. Want to make a payment to GISS? E-transfer to gisspayment@sd64.org. Former students and families please update this in your online banking as Jessica Wilson will no longer be accepting payments for GISS! A reminder to always include the student’s first and last name and the purpose of the payment in the e-transfer memo.
Yearbooks
The start of the year is the best time to pre-order and purchase your Yearbook. For the month of September, Yearbooks will be available for a discounted rate of $50. After September, the price will go up to $60. Yearbooks can be purchased starting today by e-transfer to gisspayment@sd64.org . Please include the student's first and last name and "YEARBOOK" in the transfer memo. Yearbooks will also be sold at lunch in the Multi throughout September, schedule will be announced in the Daily Announcements.
School Supplies
Students are encouraged to wait until classes begin to purchase specific school supplies. Generally, students should arrive on the first day with a binder, paper, and pens or pencils. A laptop computer is increasingly useful, and many students bring their own laptops daily. We also provide laptops for use at school for those who do not have or want to bring their own.
We have school supplies available for families who may find the cost of school supplies challenging this year. Students can request a school supplies package, including a binder and general supplies, from Heather in the office or any staff member they feel comfortable with.
Personal Devices
At Gulf Islands Secondary, personal digital devices including smartphones and headphones are generally expected to be put away, with notifications turned off, during instructional time. However, at the classroom teacher’s discretion, there may be times when these devices can be used to support learning. Rare exceptions to these restrictions may apply based on medical or other learning needs, as outlined in a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Please note that personal devices are not required at GISS, as the school provides necessary devices for learning.
Generally, put all personal devices away during class time unless teachers ask you to take them out.
Pack it in, Pack it Out!
A reminder that we are a "Pack it in, Pack it out!" school. We encourage everyone, staff and students, to pack out items that can be better recycled or composted at home instead of using our garbage bins. If you Pack it in, Pack it out!
First Week Reminders
After the first day, our regular schedule will start on Wednesday, September 3rd, with a Day 1 ABCD Block Rotation. Our Daily Schedule, including start and end times, is posted on our school website for reference. The best way to access the Block Order for each day is by using the new SD64 App under the Calendar.
A reminder that when we miss a Monday due to a holiday, like we do in the first week, Friday is a regular in-session full school day like any other day. Please mark these days on your calendars and ensure students are not scheduled to work or have appointments on these days. Other events planned for the first week include Grade Assemblies, Clubs Day, and the Welcome Back BBQ on Friday at lunch by the pond. A reminder that our Cafeteria will not open for a few weeks, so students should have other plans for lunch.
Parent Volunteers
As per our new Administrative Practice for parent volunteers and drivers, we need all family members doing some volunteering to complete our electronic volunteer form. This form is a one stop shop for all the items we need to collect to approve our wonderful volunteers! Any questions about the Volunteer approval process can be directed to Megan Colgan mcolgan@sd64.org in our office.
Criminal Record Checks
In preparation for the school year, we hope that any coaches, managers, volunteers, parent drivers, or parents of athletes will start the process of completing a Criminal Record Check (CRC). At Gulf Islands Secondary School, you are required to have a valid CRC in place BEFORE beginning any of the volunteer positions above.
To apply for a CRC, follow this link: Criminal Record Check.
When prompted, you will need the following access code: DNW8SBGDPQ.
To use the EIV (electronic identification verification):
Individuals must have been residing in Canada for two years or longer.
Individuals must correctly answer a set of security questions unique to their personal credit history.
Must have a current Canadian address (Please do not enter a foreign address through the online service).
Minimum Canadian credit history of at least six months.
If you are not eligible to use the EIV process to submit the request for a criminal record check, please contact Cathy at cgeorge@sd64.org or (250) 537-5548. Thank you in advance for supporting our students!
Drivers Abstract
As part of the form above, you will be asked to submit a Drivers Abstract. This is easy to get, just visit ICBC Driver Licensing Page and click Get Your Driving Records to request.
Welcome Back Again!
Thank you for making it to the end of this long email! We will be sending a final reminder email this Thursday August 28th at the end of the day (just in case we forgot anything you need to know!).
Please, connect with us in the office by email at giss@sd64.org, by phone at 250-537-9944, or in person (office open 9am-3pm Mon-Thurs this week) if you have any questions as we roll into the year!
We would like to welcome you back again and look forward to seeing and connecting with you in the coming weeks.
Mr. Massey, Mr. Shugar, and Ms. Mitchell
Gulf Islands Secondary School Leadership Team
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