Looking ahead this year

James Bay Community School

By Darcy Topinka

For those readers new to the community of James Bay and who might be unfamiliar or just need a reminder of the dynamic role a community school is mandated to perform. The association for Community Education in BC defines and describes the activities and properties of schools with this designation. Community Schools are schools that have extended hours of operation, extended services and extended relationships.  They bring the community into the school and they also serve the community. 

The James Bay Community School leverages core funding through partnerships with various ministries partnerships, with other non-profits, and with businesses. We also provide an infrastructure to respond to research on areas of early child development and prevention-based programs for youth and families. There are numerous examples of our impact on sustaining and contributing to a healthy community. To learn more about community schools go on line to , or on Monday  October 29, join staff and board directors at our AGM held at the Community Centre beginning at 6:00 pm. 

James Bay Community School has registered a higher than expected number of children this fall. School district #61 projected our enrollment to be approximately 158 students.  The fall 2012 term will see approximately 182 students attend classes, making up 8 divisions.  We do expect to see a bit of movement in enrollment; generally our numbers fluctuate throughout the school year by plus or minus five students.   

We have launched recreation programs and registration has been very positive. If you did not receive your brochure in the mail stop by the centre to pick one up. Another option is to view our brochure on our web site. September erupted with a flurry of activity. Families and teachers were busy assisting children with the transition back into the routine of school life.

Wednesday after-school sports, Cross Country, Friday night drop in youth sports, and Sport Ball are all slated for a return to the line-up of program offers by both the school and the community centre. Laurel Koslosky joins our team of coordinators in bringing recreation and leisure programming to the centre and the community. Laurel has five years' experience working with community leagues in  Edmonton. Expect to see a diverse offering of programs with a focus on adult lifelong learning, fitness, early childhood, and school age /teen programs.

The school and centre would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the James Bay Float Home Association for their generous donation of $1800.00 made in September after their third annual open float home tour. A special thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors of the James Bay Celebrates Victoria's 150 birthday celebrations. The special event was held on Saturday September 15 and made possible by the generous support of the City of Victoria. Staff and volunteers from the Community Centre, New Horizons, and the James Bay Community Project all played a significant role in delivering the events to the community.