August 25, 2025

Keating Families,

Our office is open this week (Aug. 25-29 8:30-3:30) and we are excited to welcome Grade 1 to 5 students on September 2. As Keating’s new administrative team, both vice-principal Sarah Dunn and I are excited to  connect with Keating families as well as welcome new and returning staff this year. 

Tuesday, September 2nd: 

Instruction is from 8:40-10:15 for grades 1-5. Kindergarten students do not attend. Supervision starts at 8:25 and ends at 10:30. Students should line up at last year’s classroom’s outside doors. New students, please meet staff in the undercover area near the front of the school. 

Wednesday, September 3rd:

…is a full day of instruction for grades 1-5. Students should again line up at last year’s spot. Students should bring a full lunch and snack. 

Kindergarten Students:

Your first partial day is Wednesday Sept. 3. Please see the separate gradual entry information mailed to you in July, and the times for your child’s A, B, or C group. If you did not receive your child’s group letter please email: ctocher@saanichschools.ca

School Supplies:

Keating will continue to offer the opportunity for families to leave the school supply shopping to teachers. Once students are in their new classes we will be asking for $45 for 2025/2026 school supplies. There is no need to shop for school supplies yourself.  That said, please ensure your child has an appropriately-sized backpack, waterbottle, and good outdoor, as well as indoor-only shoes. Should this be a financial challenge for your family at this time, please contact in confidence:  ctocher@saanichschools.ca

Safety:

With the start of a new year and routines, please be mindful of our little ones both on the roads and in our parking lots when picking up and dropping off students. Consider parking on Central Saanich road, and taking the short walk up to the school.

Moves and Registrations: 

Please call the school office at 250-652-9261 as soon as possible if your child will no longer be attending Keating this fall.  New student registration information can also be found at this link: https://saanichschools.ca/online-registration-process-k-5-students

Busing:

Registered bus students - On Tuesday Sept. 2, bus 5, 11 and 23 will depart Keating shortly after 10:15. Regular bus schedules start on Wednesday Sept. 3. Many bus routes have high demand this year. If you have not yet  registered, please visit: https://saanichschools.ca/resources/studentsfamilies/transportation

Student Medical Information: 

Please email vice-principal Sarah Dunn as soon as possible to complete medical alert forms for 2025/2026: sdunn@saanichschools.ca

Getting Ready for School:

Leading up to the first day of school after summer break is also a big change. Here are a few tips to help get your child ready:

• Start to establish and maintain a regular routine (bedtime, mornings, etc.)
• Predictability will help your child feel secure and less anxious. Let your child know “what’s coming up” at home and at school.
• Come visit our playground with friends and family, to refamiliarize your child with the school.
• Talk to your child about their strengths and  interests, what they’re looking forward to, and what might be a worry, or hard for them.
• Read, bake, colour, or draw. 
• Spend some time outdoors in these last few days of summer break. 

Sincerely,

Philip Jungen, principal

Sarah Dunn, vice-principal