Skip to content

Reminders with school around the corner

In a short, two-weeks’ time, students will be back at the grind of school.

In a short, two-weeks’ time, students will be back at the grind of school.

That means now is the right time for a few reminders for parents, students and those driving on the roadways.

For all students attending Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) and St. Augustine Catholic School, first school day will be Thursday, Sept. 1. Ponoka Christian School will see classes start one day earlier for grades 1 to 9 with Kindergarten students starting Sept. 1.

St. Augustine School will have their office open on Thursday, Aug. 25 and Friday, Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Aug. 30 and Wednesday, Aug. 31 for new registrations and parents having questions. High school students can confirm or change their timetables on Aug. 30 and 31 plus pick up any textbooks.

Registration forms can also be found online by going to staug.starcatholic.ca.

For those going to WCPS schools - Ponoka Elementary (PES) and Ponoka Secondary (PSC) - those offices will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday, Aug. 29 to Wednesday, Aug. 31. to answer questions or assist with registrations.

However, due to staff preparations, there will be no teachers or members of administration available until classes actually begin.

Class lists at PES will be available at 9 a.m. on Aug. 31, while PSC students will receive their schedules when they start school at the regular time of 8:40 a.m. on Sept. 1. This is a change from the past where a staggered start to the day was done. Students will meet with their teacher advisors, get their locker assignments and go through their schedules before getting on with the day.

Any students that are new to WCPS can obtain registration forms online at www.pes.wolfcreek.ab.ca and at www.pchs.wolfcreek.ab.ca and clicking on the appropriate link. Students registering will require a birth certificate and proof of residency.

As well, any students that are outside of the town or county of Ponoka will now have to follow a different registration protocol, as it now involves a meeting with administrative staff prior to acceptance.

Regarding school supplies, students can get a list of what they need by heading to the website for their school.

Driving safety

RCMP, Public Safety Canada along with Ford of Canada urge drivers to remind themselves now of the dangers when kids head back to school so they can be prepared.

A few tips include carefully watching at all times as children can be distracted easily and wander onto the road while going to and from school as well as while on the playground; texting behind the wheel is prohibited by law as part of distracted driving legislation; crosswalks must be left clear for pedestrians, particularly when waiting to turn, since they could be hit going around a vehicle; and, and drivers must remember to stay behind or stop for a school bus when its lights are flashing red since it could save a life along with the six demerits and a minimum fine of $402.

“These are important reminders,” said Ross North, general manager of Legacy Ford Ponoka.

“We are looking forward to a successful and safe school year ahead.”

Instructions for students

As well, students need to remember a few things while going to and from school and recommendations for them include:

-Point in order to let vehicles know you want to cross the road;

-Pause and make eye contact with drivers until they stop and then walk across with one arm out after every vehicle in all lanes have stopped;

-Don’t use electronic devices while walking as being distracted can lead to dangerous incidents and children should always wear a helmet when riding their bike to school.