SCHOOL STORY

With deep gratitude and respect, Lord Beaconsfield staff and students are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

Lord Beaconsfield Elementary is located in Renfrew Heights, near the intersection of Nanaimo and 20th Avenue in Vancouver, British Columbia. Lord Beaconsfield enrolls 235 students from diverse backgrounds in kindergarten to Grade 7 The majority of students are bilingual and speak two languages – English and an additional language. There are at least sixteen language groups represented. Lord Beaconsfield supports three district programs: the Excellence in Social Emotional Learning (EXSEL), Home Learners and the Alderwood Family Development Centre.

Our school has a strong connection to the community. Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House plays a role in the school by providing before and after school care. The Gladstone Family of Schools offers additional out-of-school time programs to students. Lord Beaconsfield school community also has connections to Trout Lake Community Centre, Renfrew Community Centre, One to One Reading, the YMCA, and Renfrew Public Library.

Lord Beaconsfield staff are committed to early literacy. The school is actively involved in the Vancouver School Board’s (VSB) Collaborative Early Intervention Initiative (CELI) and, as such, offers the Reading Recovery Program. The staff are strong advocates for reconciliation and routinely look for opportunities to connect student learning with Indigenous knowledge and culture. The staff see the value in varying the learning spaces for students and make use of the school garden and outside community spaces to support student learning.

Lord Beaconsfield offers an active extra-curricular sports program with teams playing volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton, cross-country, and track and field. Lord Beaconsfield students demonstrate a strong sense of community and responsibility. Students take an active role in supporting organizations such as Covenant House Vancouver and are involved in an annual fundraising activity for the Terry Fox Foundation. Beaconsfield students are responsible, respectful, and ready to learn as outlined in the school code of conduct.

Parents in our community value school programs, activities, and projects. They take initiatives to plan events and support our school. Through active fundraising, Beaconsfield’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) has built two new playgrounds and a beautiful community garden. They support the school in many ways such as organizing hot lunch opportunities, supporting the fruit and vegetable program, and planning events throughout the school year.