School profile

Mission statement

Our mission is to build a respectful community of lifelong learners. We work towards becoming caring, accomplished and co-operative citizens. We aim to provide an enriched environment in which children are encouraged to think, question, create and wonder. Our school goals for the 2008-09 school year are:

1. to promote student participation in inclusive and diverse physical activity and appreciation of healthy living choices
2. to support student learning and acquisition of literacy skills through collaborative planning, instruction and implementation of a QM Early Literacy program.

School overview

Queen Mary Elementary supports the learning needs 495 students from a mainly residential corner of West Point Grey. First established in 1915, the school consists of three connected buildings including the landmark 'Red Building'. The grounds include two adventure playgrounds, a basketball court, a large courtyard and an all-weather community playing field.

Parents are active supporters of the school and volunteer in many ways to support student safety, extra-curricular programs and classroom activities. Parents are also the key 'gardeners' in maintaining the trees and flowering shrubs in the many planters that border the large field. Our parents also coordinate the "Let's Walk Queen Mary" program that encourages students and parents to walk to school reducing traffic congestion while promoting safety and health.

The school maintains high expectations for student conduct based on prindples of safety, respect and responsibility. These expectations are strongly supported by staff and parents who work together to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education and are given a good foundation for becoming knowledgeable and caring citizens.

School highlights

Queen Mary School is known for the many programs and activities that enhance student learning and foster positive social, emotional and physical growth. For example, Grade Three classes for many years have partnered with the Extended Care Hospital at UBC, and all classes participate in "Queen Mary Shares" activities to develop a greater awareness of and contribUtion to the local and intemationai communities.

Our neighbourhood

Situated in a residential neighbourhood of West Point Grey, Queen Mary School is adjacent to Trimble Park and commands a fine view over English Bay.

A business section on nearby 10th Avenue caters to local needs. This is an established community in a stable area of Vancouver with a rich and interesting history.

District programs

A district program resident at the school is the Multi-Age Cluster Class (MACC which provides academic challenge and support for students selected by a district screening process. There are two classes (Grade 6/7 and 4/5) supporting students from the Jericho region who are identified as being academically gifted. Call the program coordinator Ms. Daria Danylchuk at 604-713-5229 fur more information.

Clubs/Extracurricular activities

Oueen Mary teacher and parent volunteers support district extra-curricular activities.

Queen Mary teachers and parent volunteers support district extra-curricular teams in cross-country and track & field. The school also offers an extensive intramural sports program at lunch for intermediate students during the fall and winter months. Music is well supported for both Intermediate and Primary students. Our Intermediate students (Grades 4-7) can participate in a Strings Program. This program is district sponsored but is on-site and included within the school timetable and is additional to the school's Intermediate Music program.

Primary students also have music as part of their regular curriculum. Our staff sponsors both Intermediate and Primary Choirs that perform at assemblies and district events.

Our Students (Grades 4-7) can also participate in the Canadian Math League National contest sponsored by the University of Waterloo. Interested students will engage in practice sessions during school time, then enter the annual contest to enhance their math problem solving skills.

Student leadership opportunities

There are several ways that students can engage in leadership opportunities at Queen Mary. For example, grade 6 and 7 students volunteer to be cross walk monitors before and after school performing an important safety function. They can also volunteer to be office monitors assisting staff at instructional breaks. Our Peer Playground Helper program is designed to have the older students assist the primary students with recess and lunch games and play. Students from all grades act as equipment monitors during the recess and lunch breaks. All of our classroom teachers actively promote leadership opportunities throughout the school year in their classroom programs.

Grade 7 students operate several committees that promote school spirit and assist with the intramural program. We value the vital contributions made by our students in all aspects of school life.

Reporting to parents

There are three formal report periods for students at Queen Mary School. Teachers arrange conferences for parents outside of instructional hours around the fall and winter report periods. Our report cards are approved by the Vancouver School Board reflecting provincial letter grade symbols (grades 4-7) and provincial performance standards.

Safe arrival

Queen Mary parents operate a Safe Arrival Program which makes sure that your child arrives safely at school. If your child is going to be away from the school, please make sure you phone Safe Arrival at 228-1717. If you do not phone Safe Arrival and your child does not arrive at school we will contact you.

Daycare Facilities

The school works cooperatively with various community groups who provide out-of-school care programs:

1. Quadra Daycare operates a separate daycare facility in the frame building adjacent to the school.
   
   
2. Trimble After School Care operates out of the Red Building lunch room and offers before and after school care. Call 604-224-1131 to register.
   
   
3. West Point Grey Community Centre offers several on-site programs during lunch hour and also picks up students for after school activities.