2024-25

School Calendar: Calendar 2024-25 – FINAL

School Colour Calendar: Colour Calendar 2024-25

School Operating Details: Journey Middle School Operation Details – 2024-25 – Letter to Parents

Hello Grade 8 Families,

We polled our Grade 8 students to see if they wanted a year-end school dance and the vote was unanimous: Yes!

The date that has been selected is Thursday, June 6th from 6-8pm.

The dance is being organized by a group of Grade 8 parents led by Kristy Green.  Please find a ‘Save the Date’ poster attached for your reference.

Four things that you and your student should know about the dance are as follows (note: students were informed of these parameters prior to voting on the dance):

• Students will sign in as they arrive.
• Only Grade 8 students currently enrolled at Journey may attend.
• The event is an indoor event and there will be no in-out privileges; once you sign in you stay at the event until you sign out.
• Parents must sign their children out at the end of the event or provide confirmation that their child can walk home alone (text on student’s phone is fine).

We look forward to hopefully seeing your child at this event.  This is one of the Grade 8 leaving events that we have planned.  More information will be coming out this week about the Grade 8 Leaving Ceremony which is being held on Wednesday, June 26th from 1:00-2:00pm.

Please select link for the Dance Poster Grade 8 Dance

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me,

This Thursday, May 30^th , there will be an Up-Cycle Crafts Market happening at lunch recess (11:35am – 12:10pm) in the gymnasium. Students, staff, and parents are welcome to come and check out all the incredible things that will be for sale. Bring your money to buy some amazing handmade crafts!

Join Us for Wildfire Preparedness Day on Sunday, June 2!

Thursday, May 23, 2024 – As wildfire season begins in B.C., it’s more important than ever to ensure we are prepared. We are pleased to announce that Broombusters in Sooke is leading a Wildfire Preparedness Day event, in collaboration with the District of Sooke, which will take place on Sunday, June 2, from 11 AM to 1 PM. The event will be held at the Stickleback Urban Trail Head near Journey Middle School on Ponds Park Corridor (see photos).

Wildfire Preparedness Day is an opportunity for community members to come together to help FireSmart the area and to learn valuable strategies to protect their homes and properties from wildfires. The event will include:

• Community Clean-Up: Join us in clearing flammable vegetation and debris along the trail to create a safer environment.
• Education: Experts will provide information on how to fire-smart your home and property, including tips on creating defensible space and using fire-resistant building materials.
• Emergency Preparedness: Learn how to develop an emergency plan for your family, including evacuation routes and emergency supply kits.

“We want to empower our community with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from wildfires,” said Sooke Fire Chief Ted Ruiter. “This event is a great way to come together, make a difference, and ensure we are all better prepared for an emergency, such as the threat of wildfire.”

Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves and any personal tools they have for vegetation clearing. Water and light refreshments will be provided.

Don’t miss this chance to make a positive impact in your community and enhance your own wildfire preparedness. We look forward to seeing you there!

As always, carpooling and alternative modes of transportation to District events is encouraged. Parking is available nearby at Journey Middle School.

Learn more:

• Sooke FireSmart Program | Let’s Talk Sooke
• Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation | Let’s Talk Sooke

For more information, please contact:
Madison Crawford, Fire Protection
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.5422
mcrawford@sooke.ca

Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
cmoog@sooke.ca

Closure of Charters Road in Sooke for Essential Infrastructure Upgrades: May 27, 2024 until October 2024

Thursday, May 23, 2024 –  The District of Sooke is announcing the temporary closure of Charters Road from Golledge Avenue to Throup Roads to facilitate crucial infrastructure upgrades from Monday, May 27, 2024 until (approximately) October 2024. The closure is necessary for the placement of a culvert and structural repairs, along with the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes, aimed at enhancing safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The timing of the culvert placement and subsequent works around Throup Creek accommodate the fisheries window, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem.

During this phase of the project, residents will still have access to Charters Road from Golledge Avenue and Throup Roads; however, through traffic on Charters Road will be redirected.

In collaboration with School District 62, parking accommodations have been secured for ball season attendees. The parking lot at Journey Middle School will be available for public use on weekday evenings and weekends.

Mayor Maja Tait remarked, “These repairs are long overdue. While disruption during construction is inevitable, the upcoming improvements will significantly enhance safety for our community.”

Efforts will be made to expedite the construction process while adhering to budgetary constraints if at all possible. Although the current target for road reopening is the end of October, potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances are acknowledged, as are less likely opportunities to more rapidly progress works. The District of Sooke will provide updates to the community regarding any changes to the timeline.

For further information and updates on transportation projects in Sooke and to follow the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, please visit:

• letstalk.sooke.ca/tmp

More About the Fisheries Window

During construction projects, particularly those involving waterways or areas near aquatic ecosystems, fisheries windows are designated periods during which certain activities are restricted or regulated to minimize impact on fish populations and their habitats.

Fisheries windows are typically timed to align with critical periods in the lifecycle of fish species, such as spawning or migration seasons. These periods are carefully determined based on scientific research and provincial regulations to ensure the protection of fish populations and their habitats.

Link: Closure of Charters Road in Sooke for Essential Infrastructure Upgrades: May 27, 2024 until October 2024

Community Contact:
District of Sooke Reception
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: info@sooke.ca

Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Church/Throup Roundabout Reaches Substantial Completion

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – The District of Sooke is pleased to announce the substantial completion of the Church/Throup Roundabout, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of our transportation infrastructure!

Over the coming weeks, our team will work with contractors to ensure that these final touches are completed to the highest standards, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of this intersection.

The completion of the Church/Throup Roundabout is just one step in our commitment to implementing the initiatives outlined in the District of Sooke’s Transportation Master Plan. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the next phases of plan implementation as captured during the 2024 budget process, which include:

Design Phase (2024):

• Charters South
• Throup Connector
• Phillips Connector
• Ella Road

Current Projects Identified for 2025:

• Charters Road North (2024-2025 build-out)
• Charters Corridor South (2025)
• Charters + Hwy 14 Intersection (2025)
• Ella Road (2025)
• Throup Road Design (Charters to Church/Throup Roundabout)

Pending funding, we are also planning for the building out of the Thorup Road Connector, scheduled for 2026-2027. Additionally, in 2027, we aim to commence the construction of the Phillips Road Connector Project, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility within our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the residents for their understanding and cooperation throughout the construction period. We are committed to continuing our efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure in Sooke for the benefit of all.

For further information and updates on transportation projects in Sooke and to follow the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, please visit:

• letstalk.sooke.ca/tmp

Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Link: Church/Throup Roundabout Reaches Substantial Completion (sooke.ca)

Public Health will be providing catch-up immunizations to Grade 7 students who missed their Grade 6 immunizations on May 29th, 2024. Only students who have a paper consent form signed by their parent/guardian/representative from the 2022-2023 school year (Grade 6) will be immunized.

Contact the local Health Unit at 250-519-3487 if you have any questions.

There are many shows happening at the Sooke Community Theatre at EMCS.

Details on how to purchase tickets for the shows visit the EMCS website.

https://www.emcsprograms.ca/theatreevents

Thank you for supporting local theatre.

District of Sooke Invites Community Input on Crosswalk Improvements

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – The District of Sooke is seeking community input on proposed additions and improvements to crosswalks with pedestrian flashing lights on local roads within our community. This initiative, funded through the District’s Climate Action Program, aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, as well as reduce carbon emissions by promoting active transportation options.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by providing feedback on potential crosswalk locations and pedestrian safety concerns. Input can be submitted ONLINE or by phone at 250.642.1634 until May 15, 2024.

The project is a part of the District’s ongoing efforts to prioritize pedestrian safety and foster community resilience. Please note that the scope of this project is limited to the District’s local roads (it excludes Highway 14).

For more information and to stay up to date on the implementation of Sooke’s Climate Action Plan and its focus on improving the quality of life for residents, please visit letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030.  

Related:

• Road Safety Crosswalk Improvements Coming to Five Locations in Sooke

Community Contact:
District of Sooke Reception
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: info@sooke.ca

Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Photo: Crosswalk enhancement on Church Road at the Stickleback Urban Trail – pedestrian flashing lights were added in early 2024.