WHAT IS SUNRISE?

Sunrise at Templeton is a two-year, grade 8 & 9 program that emphasizes a strong focus on students’ health and wellness to develop a safe and welcoming classroom community and school experience. Program staff work to build strong and trusting relationships with students and to provide a safe, supportive, and creative educational environment. The intent of the program is to reengage each student in their own educational future, build confidence and self-esteem, and give students a sense of belonging and community.

The program has a strong focus on social emotional learning where staff will help students develop their self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success. Students will work on building important life skills around communication, problem solving, and executive functioning.

The program teaches core curriculum, remediation and regulation strategies. The program teacher will teach the core subject areas: Humanities, Math, and Science, which may be adapted to optimally challenge the students as well as help them be successful. Students will engage in a variety of learning opportunities from academics to more creative pursuits (i.e. art, kinesthetic learning, learn through play etc.). Students will engage in photography to help with SEL and community building. They will also make weekly trips to the Sara McLachlan School of Music where they will participate in music lessons in a safe and supportive environment. As a cohort, students will be integrated within the mainstream school to participate in some electives and Physical & Health Education where they will be able to interact with students outside of Sunrise as well as learn from other teachers.

WHO IS SUNRISE FOR?

Sunrise is designed primarily for students who have had some difficulty in their regular classroom situation and require a more supportive transition from elementary to secondary school. These students are often in need of a smaller class setting and benefit from social-emotional support. Student progress is managed through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, which involves the student, the parent/guardian, and program staff.

After completing their grade 9 year, students may return to their neighbourhood school, apply to another district program, or apply cross-boundary to an out of catchment school.