W.E. Graham Community School

About

W.E. Graham Community School is located in the Village of Slocan (mailing address: PO Box 10, Slocan, BC V0G 2C0). The school describes itself as a rural community school where children in kindergarten through Grade 10 learn in and from the natural environment that surrounds them, and it welcomes families to the school community. The school also acknowledges and honours the First Nations in whose traditional territories the Kootenay Lake School District operates, and all Aboriginal people within School District #8.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Kootenay Lake)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-10

Phone: 250 355-2212

Email: jen.kooznetsoff@sd8.bc.ca

Principal: Jen Kooznetsoff

Programs and Services

Outdoor learning programs (Primary Outdoor Program / Outdoor Experiential Learning Program) W.E. Graham offers outdoor education opportunities connected to its local wilderness setting. The Primary Outdoor Program (K–2) includes place-based learning and activities such as hiking, skiing/snowboarding, biking, swimming, and snowshoeing, with a focus on safety skills. For Grades 7–8, the Outdoor Experiential Learning Program includes overnight trips (camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, canoeing) and also includes explorations such as photography, robotics, woodworking, cooking, art, ukuleles, drama, and outdoor learning. Early learning (StrongStart) StrongStart is a free early learning program for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, offering play time and activities such as songs, stories, crafts, and circle time. The school notes that families can register for StrongStart online. Student transportation (district busing) School District 8 provides bus transportation for eligible students who register annually, use a bus pass when boarding and exiting, and follow safety rules and the bus code of conduct. The district outlines expectations for safe riding (e.g., staying seated, appropriate behaviour) and includes guidance on bus stop safety and communications for delays/cancellations.

School Culture and Expectations

The school states that students learn in and from the natural environment surrounding the community. The school and district acknowledge, respect, and honour First Nations in whose traditional territories the district operates, and all Aboriginal people within School District #8. For students who ride the bus, the district bus code of conduct emphasizes safety, orderly behaviour, and respect for others.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

School District 8 offers transportation for eligible riders, with annual registration required. Students are expected to walk where possible; eligibility for busing is generally for students living more than 2.5 km from their catchment school. Riders are expected to follow the bus code of conduct (including arriving at stops at least five minutes early, remaining seated while the bus is in motion, and following driver directions) and must use a bus pass to scan on and off; the district also provides guidance for bus stop safety and how delays/cancellations are communicated.

Enrollment

StrongStart registration is available online through the school’s StrongStart page.