Isabella Dicken Elementary

About

Isabella Dicken Elementary (École Isabella Dicken Elementary School) is located in Fernie, BC (Po Box 1559, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0). The school describes itself as an energetic Kindergarten to Grade 6 school where staff work closely with the Parent Advisory Council to provide a well-rounded program. Offerings highlighted by the school include late/middle French Immersion, a fully serviced student support program, Grade 6 Band, extra-curricular sports, and Fine Arts opportunities. The school mission is to provide children with opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes to reach their full potential in a positive, supportive, safe environment and become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Southeast Kootenay)

Education language: ÉIDES offers a Middle French Immersion program beginning in Grade 4, where French is the language of instruction and core classes (including Social Studies, Math, and Science) are taught in French; English continues to be taught as well. The school also notes primary French introductory classes as part of its enhanced curriculum. No English Language Learning (ELL) services are described in the provided sources.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-6

Phone: 250 423-4651

Email: janet.kuijt@sd5.bc.ca

Principal: Janet Kuijt

Education Languages

ÉIDES offers a Middle French Immersion program beginning in Grade 4, where French is the language of instruction and core classes (including Social Studies, Math, and Science) are taught in French; English continues to be taught as well. The school also notes primary French introductory classes as part of its enhanced curriculum. No English Language Learning (ELL) services are described in the provided sources.

Programs and Services

French Immersion ÉIDES offers a Middle French Immersion program starting in Grade 4. The program is designed for non-French-speaking students, with most activities conducted in French right away; core classes such as Social Studies, Math, and Science are taught in French, while English continues to be taught. Music / Band All Grade 6 students participate in Band, which takes place at Fernie Secondary School in the band room. Athletics and extracurricular sports Student support / wellbeing School counselling is available as a resource for students, families, and educators, supporting areas such as social skills, peer relations, family changes, academic difficulties, and self-esteem. The counsellor provides prevention and intervention supports (individual, group, and classwork) and connects families with outside agencies/opportunities. The school also lists Youth Care Worker support, with a focus on creating a culture of belonging, acceptance, and inclusion. Indigenous Education The school offers Indigenous Education programs and initiatives focused on incorporating Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and cultural practices. Literacy support Primary Literacy Programming (UFLI) is used in primary grades to develop early literacy skills, and the school also references a Sound Connections program for Kindergarten using poems, songs, characters, and actions. Early learning StrongStart provides opportunities for parents/caregivers to share in a child's early learning experiences, and Ready, Set, Learn provides information on supporting a young child’s early learning. Technology The school reports using up-to-date/state-of-the-art technology to enhance instruction and student learning. Environmental learning The school highlights a composting initiative.

• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Cross country running
• Track & field

School Culture and Expectations

The school states its mission is to support students in a positive, supportive, safe environment and help them become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. ÉIDES also references a school Code of Cooperation based on growth, development, and respect for self and others. Youth Care Workers are described as helping create a culture of belonging, acceptance, and inclusion within the school.

Enrollment

The school site includes “Registration Forms” and notes that School District No. 5 Southeast Kootenay welcomes families and students to the district. The French Immersion page also welcomes families interested in enrolling their child in French Immersion.