First Day of School Information September 8th, 2026

Posted August 24, 2026

We are looking forward to welcoming all of our BCI students on the first day of school – Tuesday, September 8th – but are especially excited to see our newest BCI, Grade 9 Knights. 

Please take a moment to read our Opening Day Schedule. Please note that our focus for the morning is Grade 9 Orientation to ensure their successful transition into secondary school. 

For students in grades 10, 11 and 12, you are not required to be at school until 11:50 a.m.  The modified timetable for the day begins with Period A at 11:50 am.

Your School Timetable

All grades will receive a timetable in their period A class on the first day of school (Tuesday, September 8th). We suggest you put this copy in your locker or in a binder that you carry with you.   Please remember that cell phones are not allowed during class time.  Grade 9 students will have received a copy in the mail, and they will get a second copy on the first day in their Period A Class.  

Students in grades 10, 11 and 12, please note:

  • When you arrive during the lunch period, look for the alphabetical lists posted outside the Main Office, the Front Foyer area and in the Gym area (see School Map).  These lists will include your period A classroom number. 
  • Look for your name on the list and proceed to your Period A classroom. 
  • Your period A teacher will distribute your timetable, which you will follow for the rest of the afternoon. Our regular daily schedule and school map can be found on the right side of the BCI website. Please note that we will be running a week one and a week two schedule in which the afternoon periods flip.  

ACE Timetable

Students in our ACE Classes will have a full day of instruction, beginning at 8:15 am. Please check your bus start date. A free pizza lunch will be provided to you.  

Chromebooks

New this year, the WRDSB has implemented an Opt-In process for newly registered Grade 9 to 12 students who do not already have a WRDSB-provided Chromebook. 

Grade 9 students and new students to the WRDSB will receive a Chromebook on Sept 8th if they have completed the Opt-In form before June 8, 2026. 

Please ensure that a Chromebook Agreement, available on School-Day, is completed before pickup. School-Day will be open to students and their families on August 24th at 9:00 am.

Cell Phones

Bluevale will maintain its cell phone policy, implemented in the 2024-25 school year, in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines on cell phone use in schools.

As educators, we have a responsibility to cultivate an environment that encourages the learning and well-being of our students. Studies have shown that students’ achievement and well-being improve when they experience a sense of belonging. Teachers and administrators have reported that, over the last few years, the number one distraction for students is their cell phone. Cell phones do have some positive uses. However, in classrooms, they can lead to distracted, disengaged students who are socially isolated from their peers and their learning.

Self-regulation is a critical skill for students as we support their preparation for roles within post-secondary settings and the workforce. Minimising distractions for students, supporting their capacity for self-regulation, and optimising the conditions for learning are our key goals. At Bluevale, we are committed to collaborating with our students, parents, and caregivers to support those who struggle to regulate and focus on their educational pursuits.

Please take a moment to review the Ministry of Education’s Cell Phone Guidelines for Parents and Guardians.

Cell Phone /Tech Policy

Cell Phone and Headphone/Earbuds

  • Cell phones should be stored in a bag, backpack, or locker during class time. 
  • Earbuds/headphones are put away and out of sight when a student walks into the classroom. With permission from a teacher, earbuds/headphones can be used with a student’s computer only, not connected to a phone.
  • Cell phone and earbud/headphone use is not allowed in the hallways or washrooms during class time. 

Cell phones/devices are permitted to be used ONLY during the following times of the school day:

  • Before the first bell of the morning
  • Between classes 
  • Lunch time
  • After school
  • During spare (only in the Cafeteria, Library, or Front Foyer)

Student Lockers

Lockers will be assigned to individual students beginning on Thursday, September 10th. Please be prepared with your numerical or alpha combination lock (no symbols or key lock).  

  • You are required to share your combination with the office to receive a locker.
  • You will not be assigned a locker until you have a lock in hand. We do not sell locks for lockers. 
  • We strongly encourage students to take their assigned locker to ensure a designated place for storing their cell phone, outerwear, physical education and team clothing, valuables, and school materials. 
  • Students must not share their lockers with anyone else, including friends or siblings. 
  • You should also refrain from sharing your lock combination with friends or siblings.  

More information regarding school start-up will be shared here on our school website, the Board and school website and through School Day. Please continue to regularly check the website for up-to-date information, as well as the School Year Information Icon, for back-to-school forms that require completion.  

Student Transportation

School Transportation: All Inquiries regarding school bus transportation should be directed to Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region at 519-744-7575 or visit their website at www.stswr.ca. 

If you did not pick up your June report card during the second week of July, you may pick it up at the office during the first week of school.

2025-2026 Sem 2 Final Report Cards

If you did not pick up your June report card during the second week of July, you may pick it up at the office during the first week of school.

We look forward to seeing you in September!

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