›› Tania Wegwitz
With the return to fall, École George Jay Elementary is now once again hopping with students and their families. In fact, its bustling hallways and classrooms include over 40 more kids than staff thought they would have.
“When we closed for the summer, we were expecting 290 students to be here this September,” said Principal Terri Smith. “Instead, in the first few weeks of school we’ve welcomed 333. It’s pretty remarkable.”
The school is continuing on a path of growth and success that has been building over the past five years. Part of its increasing population is due to the introduction of French Immersion in 2014, with a grade 2 class now added this September to the previous year’s kindergarten and grade 1 classes.
However, a sizable portion of the increase from 209 students in 2011 is due to many other factors, including George Jay’s unique approach to learning and its focus on community.
“We continue to have the good fortune of adding to the multicultural fabric of our community,” said Smith, adding that the school has again welcomed several new immigrant and refugee families this year.
Speaking of welcome, Smith also adds that the school definitely sees itself as a place where people of all ages can connect to their community.
“In addition to our regular classes, our StrongStart program is also now back open from 8:45am to 11:45am on school days.” The program is a free drop-in early learning program for all preschool-aged children. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver while attending the program and that can provide a way for younger kids and their families to connect to each other and the school.
Community members also volunteer at George Jay helping with reading, breakfast programs and other activities. For more information on volunteer opportunities or school programs, contact Principle Smith or Vice Principal Sunny Jun at 250-385-3381.
“We definitely see ourselves as part of our surrounding neighbourhoods,” says Smith. And with two more classes added over the past few weeks, apparently neighbourhood residents also see themselves as part of the school.
