Mission Statement

The mission of the Cowichan Valley School District is to deliver learning opportunities that ensure the individual success of all students, within a safe, caring and supportive environment.

Belief Statements and Guiding Principles

• We believe that the focus must be on the needs of the students.
• We believe that every individual needs a sense of self-worth.
• We believe that learning is a lifelong continuous process and that we are a community of learners.
• We believe that individuals must develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make wise choices about themselves and their environment.
• We believe in the importance of effective communication between the school, home and community.
• We believe that all students want to learn and that opportunities must be provided for them to attain and experience personal success.
• We believe that effective learning takes place in an atmosphere of personal relevance and enthusiasm.
• We believe in everyone taking responsibility for becoming a self-directed learner.
• We believe that individuals must develop skills and attitudes to successfully manage change.
• We believe that strength is built through cooperation and collaboration and that the contribution of everyone is valued.
• We believe in the shared use of resources and facilities of the schools and the community.
• We believe in a global world view that recognizes individuals are dependent upon each other and on the environment.
• We believe that a supportive home environment enhances the capacity to learn.
• We believe that education is a shared responsibility of the school, home and community.

Vision Statement

The Educated Citizen

Our graduates have acquired knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies in the following areas:

• Reading
• Writing
• Numeracy
• Scientific literacy
• Citizenship and social responsibility
• Technological/informational literacy
• Aesthetic literacy
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Fitness and personal well-being
• Employability and education planning skills

Student Learning

• Plans promote feelings of self-worth in students and prepare them for life-long learning.
• Student-learning opportunities in the intellectual, emotional and social areas are comprehensive.
• Integration of technology into student learning is supported.
• All resources are maximized towards student learning.
• All students are provided with appropriate programs that relate to improving their achievement.

Professional Learning Community

• The district culture promotes productivity and stimulates learning from Kindergarten to Post-secondary.
• There is strong collaboration and teamwork among all involved in the teaching/learning of students.
• The best possible teaching and support staff is selected and they are offered ongoing opportunities to further develop their skills.

Accountability

• The use of data that reflects assessment for learning is promoted. Results of school-wide, district-wide and provincial assessments with the community are communicated.
• There is articulation of district and school strategies to improve student achievement.

Information and Communication

• Plans have been developed and implemented to assist the community in understanding current and future educational needs.
• There is involvement of the community in decision-making.
• Internal and external communication promotes the school district and enhances relationships with all employees and partners.