A Class Act

kc dyer
14 hours ago
2 min read

Lions Bay School opens doors next week

It's back to school time, and local vice-principal Jennifer Ohlhauser and her staff are looking forward to welcoming students to another year of learning at Lions Bay School.

Inside the building, Ohlhauser says the classrooms are all set to go, and teachers are ready to meet their students 'where they are'. "Our experienced staff, each one with more than 15 years in education, are the heart of what we do here."

The basic tenets of the West Vancouver School district include foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, physical literacy and 'all means all', says Ohlhauser. "Here at Lions Bay School, 'all means all' is the heart of our work: seeing the whole child, meeting them where they are and walking with them forward".

The school is all spruced up with waxed floors and new WIFI connections. And outside, there is fresh bark mulch in both playground areas.

A highlight this year is the installation of musical instruments in the playground. Ohlhauser notes that three groups worked together last year to fund the project.

"Our Lions Bay Parent Advisory Council (PAC) led the charge, along with contributions from the Saplings Preschool and the former Playschool families and staff," says Ohlhauser. She adds that Lions Bay families are welcome to visit and enjoy the playground after 2:45 p.m. on school days and any time on weekends. As always, dogs are not permitted.

In light of the ongoing Official Community Plan (OCP) process Ohlhauser wants residents to be aware of the value of the school to the community, including its attraction to future homeowners. She notes that after graduating Lions Bay School, the district offers school bus services for students in grades 4-7 to Gleneagles Ch'axáý Elementary, and to Rockridge Secondary for Grades 8-12.

"Here at Lions Bay School, our staff create a joyful and engaging program for K-3 that is unrivalled," says Ohlhauser. She points to the school's new mission statement:

"We create a joyful, inclusive and connected environment where young learners can build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning through play, creativity, relationships and the outdoors."

School hours for the first week will be on a graduated start-up.

"Grades 1-3 will attend Tuesday September 9 from 8:40 to 10 a.m. We will welcome our new Kindergarten students on Wednesday September 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. for gradual entry, Full days begin for Grades 1-3, from 8:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday".