Ecole Qayqayt Elementary

About

École Qayqayt Elementary is located at 85 Merivale St, New Westminster, BC V3L 0G2 in New Westminster’s downtown neighbourhood. It is a K–5 dual-track school offering both English and Early French Immersion, and it opened in Fall 2014. The school is named after the Qayqayt First Nation (“Resting Place”), on whose land the school sits, and it emphasizes a caring and compassionate learning environment. The school describes a diverse student population, innovative and committed staff, and a dedicated parent community working together so learners become caring, compassionate, inquisitive, engaged, and innovative citizens.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (New Westminster)

Education language: École Qayqayt is a dual-track school offering instruction in English and French through an Early French Immersion program alongside an English program. The school also offers support for English Language Learners (ELL) to help students develop the language skills needed for success in Canadian schools and society.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-5

Phone: 604 517-6050

Email: scameron@sd40.bc.ca

Principal: Suzanne Cameron

Education Languages

École Qayqayt is a dual-track school offering instruction in English and French through an Early French Immersion program alongside an English program. The school also offers support for English Language Learners (ELL) to help students develop the language skills needed for success in Canadian schools and society.

Programs and Services

Aboriginal Education The school offers an Aboriginal Education program that supports the academic and social success of Aboriginal students and provides cultural learning experiences. An Aboriginal Support Worker supports Aboriginal learners and shares Aboriginal culture in the school. Early Learning The school offers “Ready, Set, Learn” (introducing four-year-olds to school) and “Welcome to School” (suggestions for families to help children get ready for school). Student support / inclusive education The school describes itself as inclusive, with a continuum of services to support student learning through school-based and district-based staff. Services mentioned include English Language Learners (ELL) support and the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program for immigrants, refugees, and other eligible clients. Food program (FuelUp Lunch Program) The district partners with Simply Foods to offer an online lunch ordering program with affordable, nutritious options and accommodations for many dietary needs. Full and partial subsidies are available, and a portion of each meal supports subsidies for other students. Family and community partnerships The school states a commitment to building community partnerships that support the well-being of students and families. Programs of choice (district) New Westminster Schools offers Early and Late French Immersion and Montessori at some schools; access is by application and includes annual parent information nights.

School Culture and Expectations

The school emphasizes a “caring and compassionate” learning environment and a vision of learners becoming caring and compassionate citizens. Its Code of Conduct aims to create a positive environment and develop individuals who feel “Capable, Connected” and able to “Contribute,” with shared responsibility for behaviour at school and while travelling to and from school. The school follows Ministry of Education “Safe, Caring, and Orderly Schools” guidelines to ensure students are free from harm, expectations for acceptable behaviour are clear, and all community members feel they belong.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

Families are asked to help keep the school zone safe by leaving ample time to park, parking only in posted areas (not in laneways), using crosswalks, and considering parking farther away to reduce congestion. The school notes there is no supervision at the front of the school from 8:30–8:50 a.m. and no supervision on the grounds after 3:00 p.m.; students are expected to arrive between 8:45 and 8:50 a.m., and families are asked to pick up promptly at 3:00 p.m. All visitors must sign in at the office and wear identification (visitor tag) while on site.