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School History

We respectfully acknowledge that Carnarvon School is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We honour their enduring presence and stewardship of the land, and we recognize the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and ways of knowing into our educational practices. This includes a focus on the First Peoples Principles of Learning, which guide our approach to teaching and learning through respect, reciprocity, and connection to community and place. 

Established in 1955 as Trafalgar Annex and renamed Carnarvon School in 1966, our school has a long-standing tradition of serving the west side of Vancouver with a strong emphasis on community engagement and inclusive education. Over the decades, Carnarvon has evolved to meet the changing needs of our students and families, becoming a designated Community School in 1974 and continuing to offer a range of programs that support early learning, family involvement, and student enrichment. Although structural changes in 2004 shifted the delivery of some programs, our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) has played a vital role in sustaining many of the school’s cherished traditions and activities.

Today, Carnarvon School serves 321 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Our school grounds include a universally accessible playground and a vibrant outdoor garden, reflecting our commitment to inclusive design and environmental learning. We are proud to offer a curriculum that is responsive to the diverse identities, experiences, and strengths of our learners. Through regular cultural events, classroom inquiry, and community partnerships, including local organizations and artists, we strive to ensure that Indigenous histories, languages, and worldviews are meaningfully represented and celebrated.

We actively promote student voice and leadership by providing opportunities for learners to engage in school-wide initiatives, contribute to decision-making processes, and take ownership of their learning journey. Our school is also committed to equity and anti-racism, working to dismantle systemic barriers and create a learning environment where all students feel seen, heard, and respected. We embrace innovative teaching practices that foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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