Winlaw Elementary School

About

Winlaw Elementary School is located at PO Box 10, Winlaw, BC V0G 2J0. The school says it is committed to developing critical-thinking problem solvers who collaborate with peers respectfully and kindly. Staff emphasize helping students become mindful, good citizens with strong content knowledge and lifelong learning skills, in a safe and caring environment for all learners.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Kootenay Lake)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 250 226-7217

Email: Andre.McDowell@sd8.bc.ca

Principal: Monica Doyle

Programs and Services

Indigenous / Aboriginal Education Winlaw Elementary offers Aboriginal Education, and families with Indigenous ancestry (First Nations status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) are invited to self-identify through school registration. The school notes that supports may be cultural and/or academic, with additional support available through the district’s Aboriginal Education Department. Hot lunch The school offers an online hot lunch ordering program, with credit card payment at the time of ordering. Families who need financial assistance are encouraged to contact the school. StrongStart (early learning) Winlaw Elementary hosts StrongStart for children from birth to five years old with a parent/caregiver, offering play-based early learning activities such as stories, music, art, movement time, and a free healthy snack. Winter programs (seasonal) The school lists seasonal winter programming, including a Whitewater ski/snowboard-related winter activities program with specific bus/equipment drop-off and safety requirements.

School Culture and Expectations

Winlaw Elementary emphasizes respectful and kind collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The school also highlights a commitment to a safe and caring environment and hopes students leave as mindful, good citizens and lifelong learners. The school and district acknowledge and honour the First Nations in whose traditional territories the district operates. For students who ride district buses, SD8 has a bus code of conduct focused on safety and respect (e.g., orderly boarding, remaining seated while the bus is moving, and following the driver’s directions).

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

The school website lists a bus line (1-855-352-0008). SD8 provides transportation for eligible students who register annually and follow bus pass procedures and the bus code of conduct; students must scan a bus pass when boarding and exiting. The district expects riders to arrive at their stop at least five minutes early and follow safety rules, including crossing in front of the bus only on the driver’s signal. For the school’s winter ski days (Whitewater), students must arrive at school by the 8:00 am bell to drop off gear, and families must drop off and pick up downhill ski/snowboard equipment (it cannot go on the bus). Parents who attend ski days travel in their own vehicles (parents are not on the bus).

Enrollment

Families can self-identify Indigenous ancestry through the school registration form to access Aboriginal Education supports. StrongStart registration is available online. SD8 busing requires an annual application through the district’s school bus registration process.