Davis Bay Elementary

About

Davis Bay Elementary is located at 5078 Davis Bay Road, PO Box 512, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0. The school serves about 205 students and is nestled between Mission Point and Chapman Creek. It describes its learning as centered on environmental education and place-based learning, with related literature, numeracy, and science opportunities connected to its rich natural surroundings. The campus also includes a 1500-square-foot greenhouse used by students (and supported with community involvement).

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Sunshine Coast)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 604 885-9523

Email: dbeinfo@sd46.bc.ca

Principal: Jean Janzen

Programs and Services

Nature- and place-based learning programs (DEN & NEST) Davis Bay Elementary describes two programs on one campus: Davis Bay Environmental/Naturalists (DEN) classes (K–7) in the main building and NEST (Nature Education for Sustainable Todays and Tomorrows) in portables/annex. NEST delivers the regular elementary curriculum using nature as a learning lens, often in outdoor settings, and emphasizes inquiry/play/project-based learning, multi-age learning, and community building; it also highlights student safety as a priority because outings are a standard part of the program. Environmental learning facilities (Greenhouse) The school has a 1500 square foot greenhouse on site for students (and community members) to learn and grow in, and it describes this as part of a collective effort focused on care, kindness, and supporting the community and the planet. Family/community involvement & food support The school highlights parent and community participation (e.g., support on field trips, a Community Reader Program, and a Growing Green/Greenhouse Committee). It also notes an active Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and community fundraising support for “Breakfast for Kids,” sports teams, and whole-school field trips/endeavors. School systems and family tools The website links families to MyEd, SchoolCash Online, a library page, hot lunch, and ERASE (Expect Respect & A Safe Education).

School Culture and Expectations

Davis Bay Elementary emphasizes community participation and partnership, describing a welcoming learning community where parent and community members are valued and encouraged to be involved. In the NEST program description, teachers aim to create a context where students can feel “success, pride, and belonging,” and the program stresses that student safety and the ability to be safe for self and others are essential because outings are a regular part of learning. The school also links to ERASE (Expect Respect & A Safe Education) and a Student Code of Conduct page.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

School District 46 requires families to register for school bus transportation each school year. Elementary bussing eligibility is prioritized for students attending within their catchment who live beyond the 2 km walk limit; if seats are available after routes are set, other students may apply for an available seat (permission can be withdrawn). The district notes that busing is not provided for cross-boundary transfer students.

Enrollment

For NEST (Nature Education for Sustainable Todays and Tomorrows), families are directed to first register with their catchment (“home”) school, then submit a NEST Expression of Interest form. If the family lives outside the Davis Bay catchment, a cross-boundary application is also required; NEST intake is determined by a lottery due to high demand, and families must re-apply each year if they are not offered a space. District information also states Davis Bay Elementary is closed for cross-boundary applications except for NEST students, and that cross-boundary busing is not provided.