Back to School Information
![two boys with backpacks leaving a school bus smiling](/uploads/b2s_20242025elementray/1721162637-538w_448h_b2s_20242025elementray.jpg)
We hope you have been enjoying your summer break! Here is important information to help your family prepare for another year full of success!
First Day of School
- The first day of school for most Kindergarten-Grade 8 students is on September 3, 2024. Schools will contact families if the start date is different.
- Students in high school have a phased entry; please check your school’s website for your start date.
- Bus passes are required for the first day of school. Note families must reapply for busing each year. Families can apply now: https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/transportation
Our school offices reopen to the public on August 21, 2024.
School Year Calendar & School Calendar
- Find our school division’s yearly calendar here: https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/our-division/calendar
- Find your school calendar on the main page of their website under the Upcoming Events section. Click to find my school website.
- Keep up to date on your school's events by subscribing to your school’s calendar. How to subscribe:
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- On your school website, navigate to the section Upcoming Events
- Click on View Calendar (top right)
- Click Subscribe to Calendar (top right)
School Supply Lists & Bell Times
Bell times and school supply lists are found on the home page of the school website (click to find my school website). From the main page:
- Click Menu in the top right-hand corner (three bars).
- Click Our School
- Click About Our School
New Student Registration
Registration is open for Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade 1 to 12 students. Register today: https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/registration
Please note that schools reopen to the public on August 21, 2024. We will contact you during that week to confirm your child’s registration. Registration must be confirmed before families can apply for school bus passes.
Kindergarten
- Open to children born in 2019 https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/kindergarten
- KinderPAL is our full day, every school day learning experience, combining Kindergarten with our KinderPAL Play And Learn experience. Find out more: www.gppsd.ab.ca/KinderPAL
- Download our 8 tips for Kindergarten Ready
- First Ride Program, August 21, 2024 –a FREE school bus safety program for children who will ride the school bus for the first time. Learn more https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/transportation/first-ride-program
Programs and Schools of Choice
- To further support your child’s unique learning journey, we offer Programs and Schools of Choice.
- Programs of Choice are open for new student registration, including The Academy, French Immersion, STEM (K-8), Music (Grades 5-8), Dual Credit Opportunities, Apprenticeship, International Baccalaureate Programme, and more! Explore your choices here: https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/programs-of-choice
- Schools of Choice are accepting new student applications. See École Montrose, Parkside Montesorri and Grande Prairie Christian School for registration information.
Transportation
- Eligible families are invited to apply for school bus passes. Each year, families need to re-apply for busing in time for the first day of school. Check your eligibility and apply now: https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/transportation
- Note: New GPPSD families need their new student registration processed and approved before they can apply for busing.
- Your school will provide information on when the bus pass can be picked up before the first day of school.
Need to Update Your Address or Phone Number(s)?
If your child is a current student at one of our schools and your family has moved over the summer, you must update your address with the school.
Start by checking your address to find your boundary school.
- No school transfer – If your new address is within the same boundary and therefore you are not needing to change schools, no action is required right now. You will complete the “Registration Update Form” being sent in September from your school. You will need to provide proof of address to verify the new address.
- School transfer—If your new address requires a school transfer because you are living inside a new school boundary, you have two choices: either contact GPPSD’s central office during the summer (i.e. before August 21, 2024), or contact your neighbourhood school after August 22, 2024, to initiate the school transfer.
If you need help before our schools reopen to the public, please call GPPSD’s central office at 780-532-4491, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
We are looking forward to welcoming you back to a new school year full of learning, growth, community and success. See you in September!
Division Information
Grande Prairie Public School Division
Email: communications@gppsd.ab.ca
Phone: 780-532-4491