Suwilaawks Community School

As a school district, we are always striving to improve and enhance communications with our parents, caregivers, and families.

We recognize the importance of keeping parents and caregivers connected with their child’s school.  Coast Mountains School District (CMSD) will be using SchoolMessenger, a safe and secure communication platform to send automated phone calls and emails to parents for emergencies and attendance. In the future, it may also be used for school updates, bussing updates, newsletters, and district-wide events.  Your account is free and an easy way to keep connected.

We are excited to be rolling out SMS notifications (text messages) effective May 1, 2025 for all schools across the school district.  This new service will allow your child’s school to send important updates, reminders, and emergency notifications directly to your mobile phone.

An SMS message will be extended by SchoolMessenger inviting parents and caregivers to opt in to receive these notifications.  Alternatively, you can opt in at any time by texting “Y” to 978338 from your mobile phone by accessing the QR Code displayed to the right.  You will receive a confirmation message once your opt-in is successful.  Kindly note that you must opt in from each mobile device you wish to receive messages on.  Your contact information will be kept confidential, and you can opt out of SMS communications at any time.

If your child is registered in a CMSD school, then you are already set up to receive emergency and attendance messages by phone or email.  However, if you would like to receive other messages such as school updates and newsletters, you must sign up to SchoolMessenger and set your notification preferences.  Tell us what news you would like to receive and how you want to be notified.

There is also a free SchoolMessenger App available for both iOS and Android based phones which enables you to receive notifications of school messages.  Download the App, set your notification preferences, and move the App to your phone’s home screen for easy access!

To learn more about SchoolMessenger, how to create your SchoolMessenger Account and more, please visit the school district’s website at https://cmsd.bc.ca/schoolmessenger.

We extend our appreciation to parents and caregivers for your ongoing support in helping us stay connected and ensuring timely information is received regarding their child’s education.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your School Principal for assistance.

Message for CMSD82 Parents & Caregivers from Superintendent

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

As a school district, we are always striving to improve and enhance communications with our parents, caregivers, and families.

We are excited to be rolling out SMS notifications (text messages) through a new safe and secure platform called SchoolMessenger effective May 1, 2025 for all schools across the school district.  This service will allow your child’s school to send important updates, reminders, and emergency notifications directly to your mobile phone.

An SMS message will be extended by your child’s school inviting parents and caregivers to opt in to receive these notifications.  Alternatively, you can opt in at any time by texting “Y” to 978338 from your mobile phone by accessing the QR Code displayed to the right.  You will receive a confirmation message once your opt-in is successful.  Kindly note that you must opt in from each mobile device you wish to receive messages on. 

Your contact information will be kept confidential, and you can opt out of SMS communications at any time.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us stay connected and ensuring that you receive timely information regarding your child’s education.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your School Principal for assistance.

Sincerely yours,

Tracey MacMillan
Superintendent of Schools

In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, the Board of Education is seeking the cooperation of parents/caregivers in registering new students for the StrongStart Early Learning Program, Kindergarten and Grade 1 to 12 for the upcoming school year (2025-2026) in Coast Mountains School District.

It is important that parents/caregivers take note of the specific registration deadlines and procedures.

Please visit the following procedures (access the links below to view or to download) for the specific registration details, deadlines and options on how to register your child for the StrongStart Program and Kindergarten to Grade 12.

2025-2026 New Student Registration & Cross Boundary Application Procedure

2025-2026 Kindergarten Registration Procedure

2025-2026 StrongStart Early Learning Program Registration Procedure

A general overview for the information of parents/caregivers:

• The StrongStart Program provides parent/caregiver participation play and a learning program for children 0 to 5 years of age.
• All School District 82 elementary schools offer full day Kindergarten for our youngest learners including the Kindergarten Gitxsanimx Immersion Program offered at Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School.  To register, children must turn five years of age by December 31 in the same calendar year that they begin school.   Registration for Kindergarten takes place from January 15 to February 21, 2025.
• The Cross Boundary procedure for Kindergarten to Grade 12 is detailed for parents/caregivers interested in an out-of-catchment area school for their child to attend.
• Students who opt for French Immersion usually enter the program in Kindergarten and continue their French studies through to grade twelve.  In Grade 12, students receive a ‘Double Dogwood’ (a bilingual graduation certificate).  Students may also begin the program in Grade 1.  Please visit the Kindergarten Registration Procedure for details.

For further assistance, parents/caregivers are asked to contact Carole Gagnon, Executive Assistant at the Coast Mountains Board of Education Office at (250) 638-4401 or via email at carole.gagnon@cmsd.bc.ca.