Canyon/Lister Elementary

About

Canyon-Lister Elementary is located at 4575 Canyon-lister Road, Canyon, BC V0B 1C0. The school welcomes families and says it supports the development of resilient children who can thrive in any community. The school also highlights a commitment to positive and sustainable change, including student leadership through “Be the Change,” and acknowledges the First Nations in whose traditional territories the Kootenay Lake School District operates.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Kootenay Lake)

Education language: Canyon-Lister Elementary is an SD8 school offering Late French Immersion with Grade 5 entry for Grades 5–7. Students are welcome with any level of prior French experience, and the program is designed as an intensive 2–3 year pathway that prepares students to follow French Immersion curriculum beginning in Grade 8.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 250 428-4161

Email: jennifer.adams@sd8.bc.ca

Principal: Jennifer Adams

Education Languages

Canyon-Lister Elementary is an SD8 school offering Late French Immersion with Grade 5 entry for Grades 5–7. Students are welcome with any level of prior French experience, and the program is designed as an intensive 2–3 year pathway that prepares students to follow French Immersion curriculum beginning in Grade 8.

Programs and Services

**French Immersion (Late entry, Grades 5–7)** Canyon-Lister Elementary offers SD8’s Creston-area Late French Immersion program for Grades 5–7 (Grade 5 entry). Students can enter with any level of French experience, and the program is described as an intensive multi-age language program. **Early learning (StrongStart)** The school hosts a StrongStart program for children from ages 0 to school-age and their parent/caregiver, offering activities and family connections in a supportive environment and helping children transition to kindergarten. Registration is required through SD8. **Food / nutrition** The Canyon-Lister Breakfast Program is open every morning from 8:00–8:30 a.m. and is available to all students, supported by parent volunteers and donations. **Outdoor Education and Garden Program** Students participate in hands-on learning through gardening—planning and building garden spaces, planting, and harvesting—with an emphasis on connecting to the local farming community. **Student leadership / UNESCO (Be the Change)** “Be the Change” is a Grade 5–7 volunteer student group connected to the school’s UNESCO identity, focused on projects and education related to positive community, national, and global change aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. **Indigenous/Aboriginal Education support** The school has an Aboriginal Education Support program that provides cultural awareness and academic assistance for Aboriginal students, with goals connected to belonging, success, and stronger connections among students, families, communities, and schools. **Clubs and school sports** The school offers clubs and sports with no activity fees (noted as supported by its UNESCO commitment to equity and grants), including both athletics and cultural activities.

School Culture and Expectations

The school says it supports the development of resilient children who can thrive in any community. It highlights a commitment to positive and sustainable change, including its UNESCO identity and student-led initiatives through “Be the Change,” aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The school also acknowledges and honours First Nations in whose traditional territories the district operates and describes efforts to support belonging, pride, and identity through its Aboriginal Education Support program.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

SD8’s bus code of conduct emphasizes safety and respectful behaviour on school buses. Students are expected to arrive at their stop at least five minutes early, remain seated while the bus is in motion, and follow the driver’s directions. Crossing the road behind the bus is not permitted; if students must cross, they should cross three metres in front of the stopped bus and only on the driver’s signal.

Enrollment

StrongStart registration is required before joining and is completed through SD8; families are instructed they will need a child’s birth certificate and medical CareCard to register. For Late French Immersion, SD8 directs families to contact the school directly about interest in the program.