Amazing to see all those smiling faces back in our halls this week! We hope you had a great Holiday Season filled with quality family time. You will not see a lot on the Google Calendar these days as we try to keep it low key in January and February. However, there is still a tonne of great stuff happening at Rutherford. Keep your eye on our website and calendar for any changes and updates. We look forward to two very productive months full of learning opportunities for all students.
TRAFFIC UPDATE
The City of Nanaimo is actively advancing measures to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the Rutherford area. Planned improvements at the Hammond Bay Road and Rutherford Road intersection include traffic-calming measures such as the removal of the right-turn lane. In addition, the City is reviewing potential safety enhancements near the Kenwill Drive and Brickyard Road crosswalk, although final design details have not yet been confirmed. Finally, as previously reported, the City is examining the introduction of new enforceable school related speed limits, which are expected to include the Rutherford area. Collectively, these initiatives are anticipated to result in meaningful safety improvements in the near term and over the next 12 months.
SNOW POLICY
If schools are closed due to snow, or any other weather-related problems, announcements will be made on local radio stations (WOLF 106.9 FM, WAVE 102.3 FM, and 91.7 COAST FM) by 6:15 a.m., or earlier, on the day of the closure. Please do not call the radio station – tune in and listen for the announcements, which will be made on a regular basis. In addition, the district will post the information on the district’s website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook. Families may also receive a message through the School Messenger notification system via phone, email or text. Please keep in mind, however, that there may be situations where this is not always possible, for example, power outages or technical problems. The most reliable method is to listen to the local radio stations.
KINDERGARTEN 2026
You can register online at www.sd68.bc.ca but please let us know ASAP if you have a child entering Kindergarten in September 2026. Also, don’t forget that Late French Immersion registration is now open for students entering grade 6 in 2026.
PLEASE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER/SEND EXTRA
We are seeing quite a few kids outside on cold, rainy days in T-shirts. Please send your child to school in clothing appropriate for the temperature and weather. It is quite cold this week. If possible, please send mitts and toques. Also, please ensure our littlest learners always have extra pants in their backpack or cubby. If you need us to help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Lundine directly.
SLEDDING AT RUTHERFORD
With winter weather upon us, we want to be prepared just in case we receive enough snow for sledding at school. Rutherford has a great little slope, and it would be a shame not to take advantage. Sledding can be a fun way for students to enjoy their recess time, and we are happy to allow it when conditions are safe and appropriate.
When sledding is permitted, students are welcome to bring a sled from home, provided they come to school with proper winter clothing, including boots, mitts, warm layers, and snow pants.
Please note the following safety expectations:
- Students must ride one at a time
- Students must ride facing forward
- Students can ride sitting or on their tummy (no standing so please keep snowboards or similar at home)
- Students who wish to slide in the snow on their knees must be wearing snow pants
For safety and supervision reasons, decisions about where sleds are stored during the school day will be made by individual teachers.
As always, staff will closely supervise outdoor play to ensure that students are being safe, taking turns and being respectful of one another. We appreciate your support in reviewing these expectations with your child.
