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Back to School: What Families Need to Know
A new school year is almost here!
Across KCDSB, there’s a lot of excitement as we get ready to welcome students and families back. Floors are being polished, classrooms are being organized and our schools are getting ready for the year ahead. Our staff are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones through our doors.
Whether you’re returning or joining the KCDSB family for the first time, we’ve gathered the important information you need to help make the start of the school year a little easier.
Your Back-to-School Essentials
Everything you need to get ready for September 1, all in one place.
First Day of School:
Students return Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
We can’t wait to welcome students back for another year of learning, faith, friendship and fun!
Watch for information from your child’s school about first-day details, welcome events and other important updates. Be sure to follow your school’s Facebook page to stay connected and up to date.
Get Set Up with School-Day
New to KCDSB or School-Day? Get your account ready for the new school year.
School-Day is KCDSB’s secure online system for school forms, permissions, registrations and payments. The School-Day Parent Portal opens for the new school year on September 2.
New families will receive a Secure-Match Key Welcome Letter from their school with the information needed to register. If you haven’t received yours by the end of the first week of school, please contact your child’s school.
Already have a School-Day account? You’re all set. Watch for an email letting you know when your September forms are ready to complete.
Access School-Day →
School-Day Help & FAQs →
Complete Your School Forms Online
Start the year by completing your required School forms online through School-Day.
Families will receive an email when School forms are ready to complete. Once you receive the notification, log in to your School-Day account to review and sign the required forms for your child.
Completing these forms promptly helps your school ensure important information, permissions and consents are in place for the new school year.
If you require paper copies of the forms, please contact your child’s school.
Download the KCDSB App
Stay connected, all in one place with the KCDSB App.
The FREE KCDSB App is an easy way to keep up with school news, events and important updates, right at your fingertips.
Search “Kenora Catholic District School Board” in your app store and download it today. Once you’re set up, choose the school or schools you want to follow to receive information that matters to your family.
Already have the app? Take a moment to make sure you’re following the right school(s) and have your notifications turned on.
Learn More & Get Quick-Start Tips →
Report an Absence with SafeArrival
Regular attendance supports student learning, connection and success. When your child needs to be away, it’s quick and easy to let your school know.
KCDSB uses SafeArrival through SchoolMessenger to manage student absences. Families can report an absence 24 hours a day using the Attendance feature in the SchoolMessenger App, online or by toll-free phone.
New to SchoolMessenger? Create an account using the same email address you provided to your child’s school. After signing up, check your email and follow the link to activate your account.
Already have a SchoolMessenger account? You’re all set!
Reporting absences promptly helps our schools account for students and reduces the need for follow-up notifications.
SafeArrival Getting Started Information & FAQs →
Check Your School Bus Transportation
School bus information for the 2026–2027 school year is now available through the Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium.
Use the NWOSSC Edulog Parent Portal App to check your child’s bus number, stop location, and pick-up and drop-off times. Families can also receive bus notifications and track their bus during bus runs.
Bus schedules can change, so please check your child’s information before school starts. During the first days of school, students should arrive at their bus stop at least 10 minutes early.
Check Your Bus Information & Learn More →
Save the KCDSB School-Year Calendar
Keep important school dates for the 2026 - 2027 School Year close at hand.
The 2026–2027 KCDSB School-Year Calendar is your go-to resource for important dates throughout the year.
Find PD Days, school holidays, Christmas Break, March Break and other important dates all in one place. Bookmark the calendar or save a copy so it’s easy to find throughout the year.
View the 2026–2027 School-Year Calendar →
We’re Ready for a Great Year!
Our schools are getting ready, our classrooms are taking shape and our staff are looking forward to welcoming students back.
We’re excited to begin another year of learning, faith and community together.
See you Tuesday, September 1!