Captain Meares Elem-Secondary

About

Captain Meares Elementary Secondary School is a rural K–12 school in School District 84 (Vancouver Island West) in Tahsis, BC (address: PO Box 70, Tahsis, BC V0P 1X0). The school’s goal is to create a positive and safe environment where students grow as independent learners, build a strong sense of personal and cultural identity, and engage with learning goals and future aspirations. Families considering relocating to Tahsis are encouraged to call the school for more information.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Vancouver Island West)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: N/A

Phone: 250 934-6305

Email: cmessadmin@viw.sd84.bc.ca

Principal: Jim Baron

Programs and Services

Student support / special education School District 84 offers Student Support Services focused on inclusion and working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and community services. Supports may include adapted or modified programs, instructional interventions, and specialized services such as Speech-Language, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy, coordinated through a school-based team. The district also shares accessibility resources and community partners that support diverse learners and families. Outdoor learning / credit programs The district’s Nootka Sound Outdoor Program is a board-certified program that lets students earn graduation credits (and may include dual credit college credits and industry certifications) through wilderness pursuits and stewardship projects. It runs outside the regular timetable (weekends and holidays) and allows students to choose activities at their comfort level. Early learning (birth to five) StrongStart BC is a free, school-based early learning program for adults and their young children (birth to age five), led by qualified early childhood educators. SD84 operates a multi-site StrongStart Outreach Program serving the communities of Zeballos and Tahsis.

School Culture and Expectations

The school’s conduct policy is designed to support a safe, caring, and orderly environment aligned with the school mission and the BC Human Rights Code. CMESS states a commitment to a learning environment free from discrimination, and it explicitly affirms students’ rights related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The code emphasizes respectful, safe behaviour, active engagement in learning, and reporting bullying/harassment; it notes that discipline is intended to be restorative rather than punitive. The school restricts personal digital device use during instructional hours, with possible exceptions for instructional, accessibility/IEP, medical, or equity-related needs.

Enrollment

Families thinking of relocating to Tahsis and enrolling school-age children are invited to contact the school office for information (250-934-6305; cmess@viw.sd84.bc.ca).