SCHOOL STORY

With deep gratitude and respect, the Cunningham community is honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

Cunningham Elementary School was first opened in 1959 as an annex to Norquay Main School and was originally named Norquay School Annex. After the building was expanded to meet the growing population, it was officially reopened in November 1966 and named G.T. Cunningham Elementary School. George T. Cunningham (1889 – 1965) was a lifelong resident and businessman of Vancouver who was honoured for his philanthropy, public service, and dedication to education. His family continues to volunteer and be active, highly valued members of our school community.

Cunningham is a vibrant and welcoming learning community that prioritizes student social-emotional and physical well-being combined with academic success. We have empathetic learners who understand that everyone has different skills and abilities. With a student population of approximately 400, our school site and playground serve as a cornerstone for the community.

A dedicated staff work together to provide a well-rounded education for all students. Staff work to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all, to ensure that every student can thrive academically, emotionally and socially. The staff are working to support students in building independence and resiliency. At Cunningham Elementary, student well-being is of utmost importance. We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where students can flourish. Our holistic approach to education emphasizes physical activity, social responsibility, and academic excellence. Our students are encouraged to be curious learners, authentic individuals, respectful towards others, and enthusiastic about their education.

We have a strong emphasis on community service by the students. Various leadership opportunities also arise during the year and include assembly MCs, student announcers and library monitors. The majority of our

students, upon completing grade 7, attend Gladstone Secondary. Cunningham alumni return regularly to see their former teachers and other staff that were here when they were students.

Diversity and inclusion are celebrated at Cunningham Elementary, where we embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of each learner. We are in a neighbourhood with multi-generational families. Some parents of current students attended Cunningham themselves when they were students. Our diverse student body includes a significant English Language Learner (ELL) population. Approximately fifty percent of our student population identifies an additional language, other than English, spoken at home.

Parent involvement is highly valued at Cunningham Elementary, and we have the privilege of having caring and involved parents who actively contribute to the school community. The strong relationships between home and school are nurtured and maintained, ensuring a collaborative and supportive educational experience. Cunningham is fortunate to have an engaged Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Some PAC initiatives include creating a pumpkin patch in the courtyard and a book giveaway, where every student receives a book to read at the end of the school year. The initiatives make a big impact in building a sense of community at our school. The PAC strengthens the bond between the school and the community, providing parents with a platform to actively contribute to the school's activities. This collaboration fosters a sense of partnership and ensures that parents' voices are heard and valued.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS?

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Many of our students speak a language, other than English at home. Our students are eager and willing to learn. They engage in outdoor learning opportunities with enthusiasm. Students are engaged by the hands-on learning opportunities of the courtyard space and garden beds. They are respectful, friendly, and caring. Students are willing to persevere in their learning even when it's difficult, and they are proud of their accomplishments. Our students embrace the arts. They are provided with opportunities to explore and create a variety of mediums. There is a high engagement in clubs, both at lunch and after school. Students take part in extracurricular activities when they are offered such as choir, chess, Cricut and knitting, as well as basketball, volleyball, track and badminton. Cunningham students are enthusiastic, encouraging and welcoming when we have new students who join our community.