School Goal One
To foster identity, well-being and leadership through a lens of equity and inclusion.
With student voice as our guide, how can we deepen understanding of student experience in order to better identify and remove barriers?
We know that positive self-identity is a major contributor to academic achievement and positive relationships. Removing barriers will provide more equitable access to what students need for success
Through the lens of First Peoples Principles of Learning, students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, inclusive of W̱SÁNEĆ, Metis, First Nations that are represented within our student body through experiential learning opportunities such as:
- Artist in Residence – Bear Horne – Welcome Pole;
- Development of SENĆOŦEN language through lunch time club;
- Community members visiting and teaching students about W̱SÁNEĆ principles directly linked to learning in the classroom;
- Opportunities such as the Indigenous Atlas of Canada and Salish Weave for the whole school community;
- Staff learning through Professional Learning sessions – Competency Training and Blanket Activity, Identity Mandala; and
- Beyond the Fence – connection to land – self regulation – connection to SENĆOŦEN language
This goal and driving inquiry aligns to both our Global Citizenship and Indigenous Learner Success district strategic goals and First Peoples Principles of Learning.
First Peoples Principles of Learning
The Social Emotional Learing Goal needs to ensure that:
- Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.
- Learning recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge.
- Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.
Over the course of the year, the following will be our direct areas of focus:
- Engaging in empathy interviews to understand students who sit along the margins of the school, and gain deeper understanding of why and how the school can better serve them;
- Developing staff understanding of racism through accessing the Global Pluralism Reflection Tool. Strengthening staff skills for addressing racism, and how to make our school welcoming for newcomer, immigrant and indigenous families;
- Inclusion of diversity through cultural celebrations;
- Addressing cultural discrimination within fun lunch and other food programs;
- Cultural and identity boards displayed throughout the school;
- Connecting with community through ICA and SWIS and ELL/ELS department;
- Removing financial barriers for all families in need;
- Accessing YFC, counselling, SWIS and VICCAR to support student emotional and mental well-being; and
- Staff book club building understanding, knowledge and capacity to address issues around SOGI “Gender: Your Guide” by Lee Airton.
Over the 2023-24 year, we will track progress on our initiatives identified in this year’s plan.
Summary learning, based on evidence gathered over the year, will provide us with key learnings to guide next steps for the 2024-25 school year and beyond.
