¿pey¿ Elementary

About

Xpey' Elementary is located at 1950 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V5L 1T7. The school describes itself as an Indigenous Focus Choice School that welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from across the Vancouver School District, with a focus on literacy, social-emotional learning, and fostering pride in Indigenous culture, language, and ancestry.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Vancouver)

Education language: The school shares that χpey̓ means “cedar” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language and includes Indigenous cultural programming such as weekly smudge and singing of the Coast Salish National Anthem. The sources provided do not state the language(s) used to teach the core curriculum, nor do they describe a named immersion or bilingual program.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 604 713-4696

Email: droutledge@vsb.bc.ca

Principal: Debbie Routledge

Education Languages

The school shares that χpey̓ means “cedar” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language and includes Indigenous cultural programming such as weekly smudge and singing of the Coast Salish National Anthem. The sources provided do not state the language(s) used to teach the core curriculum, nor do they describe a named immersion or bilingual program.

Programs and Services

Meal programs The Vancouver School District and Xpey' Elementary offer a breakfast and lunch program open to all students. Families receive a monthly menu and can pay what they are able; no child is refused food due to finances. Music / Choir The school lists a music program that includes fiddling (taught by a Métis volunteer) and a weekly school choir (taught by a volunteer). The school also notes after-school music lessons offered with St. James Academy. Social-emotional learning and wellbeing programs The school lists programs including Roots of Empathy, MindUp, Second Step, Friends for Life, and Let’s Talk about Touching. The school also notes working with external agencies and individuals supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and physical wellbeing. Literacy / learning support The school lists One-to-One Reading, One-to-One tutoring (after school), and School Wide Write. Early learning The school hosts a Strong Start Program for children ages 0–5 and partners with Strong Start for “Welcome to Kindergarten.” Indigenous-focused learning and cultural programming As part of its Indigenous Focus Choice School identity, the school lists weekly smudge and singing of the Coast Salish National Anthem, and references an Aboriginal Resource Library and schoolwide learning units.

School Culture and Expectations

The school emphasizes learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and aims to foster pride in Indigenous culture, language, and ancestry alongside academic excellence and strength of self. Families are described as integral to the school community and are welcome in the All Nations Room during the school day. A Code of Conduct page is provided, but the content of the code is not included in the sources.