SCHOOL PROFILE / UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS (including staffing and special education assignments)
BELL SCHEDULE
Bus Drop off 7:45 AM Start 8:00 AM Recess 9:45 – 10:00 AM Lunch 11:30 – 12:15 PM Dismissal 2:00 PM Bus pickup 2:10PM
Falkland Elementary is a small rural school located in downtown Falkland. Many students live in the neighbouring countryside. Approximately half are bussed to school. Our student population is diverse as noted above. Members of the community work in the agriculture or forestry industry or operate small businesses. Many parents commute to Armstrong or Vernon for their work. The school is a focal point in the community with many people coming to school events whether or not they have children attending the school. Student performances and Christmas Concerts always play to a full house. The community supports the ‘Falkland News’ which in turn
supports the swimming program for students.
The staff at Falkland Elementary is dedicated, positive, enthusiastic and caring. We have 5.6 FTE teachers and three C.E.A.’s (Certified Education Assistants). With such a small staff, individuals assume many additional responsibilities in order to provide opportunities for students. Teachers coach soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross-country running, track and field, leadership, and put together a grade 7 yearbook, as well as plans to begin a whole school year book next year in addition to their regular teaching assignments.
A local moms and tots Learn and Play program operates out of the school on Monday mornings and, until recently, a Boys and Girls Club initiative also uses the school as a meeting place Mondays after school and an after school sports club is run by parent volunteers on Wednesdays after school. This program is for grades 4-12. There are also dance lessons Thursdays adter school from 3:30-8:30 pm. These lessons are for children and adults. Parents and community members also volunteer generously to benefit our students. Some of their activities include assisting in classrooms, assisting with the Winter Rec. program, teaching the babysitting/home safe programs, the DARE
program, and driving for team sports and field trips. Other parents are actively involved in the Parent Advisory Council, the School Planning Council, the Safe Arrival and Breakfast Club programs, the bi-weekly healthy hot lunch program, and various fund-raising projects. The major fundraising project at the moment is for a new playground for the school. Without the dedication and support of parents, we would be unable to provide all the opportunities currently available to our students. |
