Most students in the K-12 age range are heading back to school on Sept. 2. Both School District 48 (SD48) and the local RCMP have issued statements for families as they enter this busy time of year.
An SD48 spokesperson had this to say: "We’re thrilled to welcome students, families, staff, and community partners back for the 2025–26 school year, and we extend a warm greeting to those joining our district for the first time. The first week of September is always such an energizing time in our schools. Families are reconnecting, staff are ready to support student learning and well-being, and students are stepping into new opportunities to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. We are especially proud to welcome new staff to our incredible learning community, and look forward to working together in the year ahead.
"This year also marks an important milestone as we develop our new District Strategic Plan. This process will be guided by student, staff, family, and community voices, and will help shape the Board of Education’s direction for the next five years. In addition, we are continuing our work in alignment with provincial priorities, including implementing last year’s legislation on personal electronic devices in schools. That means no cell phones in elementary schools, and teacher directed use in middle and secondary schools."
Meanwhile, the Whistler RCMP is providing members of the public with a number of safety guidelines:
Drivers
- The speed limit within school zones is 30 kilometres/hour: a limit that also applies to all Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) streets.
- Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks. A vehicle is required to yield to a pedestrian waiting to cross at a crosswalk.
- Do not overtake or pass vehicles in front of you who may be waiting at a crosswalk or intersection. This creates a safety issue for pedestrians who may not be visible to you due to the vehicle stopped in front of you.
- Always stop for a school bus when the “Stop” sign is displayed and the lights are flashing, no matter which direction you are travelling. Both lanes of traffic must come to a full stop until the school bus stop sign is retracted, and it’s flashing lights are turned off.
- If dropping your child off at school in a vehicle, be aware of your school’s traffic regulations and/or patterns in drop-off areas. School administrators will have traffic planning in place to ensure safety in the car park and drop-off areas.
Pedestrians
- Stop, look and listen for vehicles at crosswalks and intersections. A pedestrian is obligated to remain safely on a curb or sidewalk if it is impractical for a vehicle to yield to the pedestrian waiting to cross at a crosswalk.
- Consider reflective clothing or tags on backpacks on dark or rainy mornings, and do not walk on roadways where sidewalks are available.
Cyclists
- Stop, look and listen for vehicles when crossing roads. In Whistler, “Stop” signs are erected where the Valley Trail network meets roadway crossings.
- Always wear a helmet, as they have been proven to reduce head and brain injury.
- If on the road, always ride single file and stay as close as safely possible to the right. Learn hand signals so drivers around you are aware of your movements, and be aware of traffic signs. A person operating a bicycle on the road is obligated to follow the same laws as a vehicle.
Kid safety
- Have a travel plan in place for children who are travelling to school without parents or caregivers. Know your route and stick to it.
- Have the name and contact information of another safe adult that can be contacted if you are unable to contact your parent or caregiver.
"While these safety tips might seem mundane and repetitive, the reality is that at this time of year, frustrations can increase with the additional traffic on the roads, whether that be in school zones or on streets and highways generally," said Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, Sea to Sky RCMP media relations officer, in a press release. "We simply want to encourage people to remember to be kind, be patient, and be aware of your surroundings, whether driving a vehicle, operating a bicycle or walking. Our goal is for everyone to arrive safely at their destination."
The fall's first Board of Education meeting will take place on Sept. 10.
