James Thomson Elementary

About

James Thomson Elementary is located at 6388 Sutherland Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 4W4. The school describes itself as a culturally rich, community-orientated school and is home to qathet School District’s only Early French Immersion program.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Qathet)

Education language: James Thomson offers instruction in both English and French through its Early French Immersion program. In Early French Immersion, students receive BC curriculum instruction in French in Kindergarten to Grade 3, with English Language Arts beginning in Grade 4 and increasing over time. The school also notes that literacy support is offered to students in both English and French.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 604 483-3191

Email: matthew.hull@sd47.bc.ca

Principal: Matthew Hull

Education Languages

James Thomson offers instruction in both English and French through its Early French Immersion program. In Early French Immersion, students receive BC curriculum instruction in French in Kindergarten to Grade 3, with English Language Arts beginning in Grade 4 and increasing over time. The school also notes that literacy support is offered to students in both English and French.

Programs and Services

Early learning, literacy, and academic support James Thomson offers an Early Reading Intervention Program, as well as Math and Language Arts student support. The school also provides literacy enrichment through the school library and uses interactive whiteboards and other technology services. Food programs The school lists a Breakfast program and a Hot Lunch Program. Leadership, enrichment, and Indigenous support Programs include a Grade Five Leadership Program, Primary and Intermediate Enrichment Programs, and First Nations Support and Leadership. Student support / special education The school offers counselling services for all students, supporting both individual needs and social-emotional learning in classrooms. Student Support Services also describes inclusive education processes and a range of flexible supports (from classroom-based support to small-group, specialized settings, and one-on-one instruction). Speech and Language Student Services are also listed. Outdoor learning and garden James Thomson lists a Farm to School program and “Here We Grow” (a school garden).

Enrollment

For French Immersion, families are directed to apply using the qathet School District online registration link, with entry typically beginning in Kindergarten (and possible entry at the beginning of Grade 1 if space is available). The school explains that after early priority deadlines, available spaces may be filled first for siblings, then by random lottery, and then from a waitlist as openings occur.