School Dıstrıct 48

School Dıstrıct 48

School District 48

School District 48

Nestled in the recreation-rich Sea to Sky corridor, just 45 minutes from Vancouver, our school district serves approximately 5,000 students. We are honoured to be teaching within a number of culturally vibrant communities, from Furry Creek to D’Arcy, including the main centres of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. The District also serves six First Nation communities: Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, Lil’wat, N’Quatqua, Samhquam Ucwalmicw, Skatin, Xa’xtsa, and the Metis, Inuit, and Off-Reserve Nations. We welcome a growing immigrant population and over 200 international students annually. Also rich with an abundance of active learning opportunities, our students love to learn here!

We create safe, purposeful, and powerful learning environments in order that all students can think critically, create, collaborate, contribute, and learn.

The mission of the Sea to Sky SD48 International Education Program is to offer opportunities that may lead international students to graduate with a British Columbia Dogwood Diploma and gain entrance to university. With this academic goal, we believe in the necessity to offer opportunities to participate in the social and healthy, active lifestyle environments of our communities. We are committed to promoting our local First Nations cultures in an inclusive environment where all students from all countries may become strong citizens of our world community. Emphasis is on student-centred learning through proven pathways to learning. We have opportunities for one semester/one year/multiple years abroad. Whether it is a cultural and language experience you are seeking or a full academic experience, we offer it.

Our International Program
The International Program in Sea to Sky, School District #48 was founded in 1996 and has grown over the years. Students study and learn alongside Canadian students. The program celebrates cultural differences and similarities a period. This allows students to build international connections through social interaction and academic challenges. It is possible to graduate in our International Program, with some advance planning. We usually recommend a minimum of two years with us to graduate. International students are integrated into classes with the local students. All schools offer ELL support for those students who need to develop their English skills. There are many opportunities for students to become involved in a variety of clubs and sporting activities throughout the school year. Our International Team The International Program Department is located in the School Board Office in Squamish. Our Recruiter/Marketer/Advisor consults throughout the application process and liaises with the Education agent throughout the months leading up to arrival. Our team is available to assist students in all aspects of their experience in the program. The Clerical Assistant processes all applications and assists with all the administration of the program. The Program Manager is in charge of the program and is Custodian of the students while they are in Canada. Our Homestay Coordinators help students with all aspects of homestay life while in Canada. Our Vice Principal of Academic Liaison assists with academic advising and all aspects of adjusting to the new learning environment in a friendly, supportive way. OUR SCHOOL: PRINCIPAL: Each Principal is in charge of programs at their school and works closely with staff, students, and parents. VICE-PRINCIPAL: The Vice-Principal assists the principal of the school in maintaining the orderly operation and discipline. TEACHERS: Students have different teachers for different subjects. ELL teachers help students learn English. COUNSELLORS: Counsellors assist in planning students’ educational programming and their University applications.
Howe Sound Secondary
LOCATION: A 5 minute walk from downtown Squamish GRADES: 10 - 12 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 650 SPECIALTIES: Strong academic program, French Immersion, Leadership classes, Athletic Leadership class, Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Automotive, Outdoor Education, Drama, Musical Theatre, Band and Choir. First Nations Studies and Art Program. Academies include: Mountain Bike Academy and Hockey Academy. CLUBS: School sports include soccer, track and field, football, cheerleading, cross-country, basketball, volleyball, mountain biking, skiing, golf, and intramural activities. Clubs include Rock Climbing, Hiking, Social Responsibility Team, Physics Olympics Teams, Student Council, Debate Team, Badminton.
Don Ross Middle
LOCATION: Brackendale, 5 km from downtown Squamish GRADES: 7 - 9 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 575 SPECIALTIES: Strong academic program, French Immersion, Fine & Performing Arts, Band, Technology Arts - Metal and Wood, Clothing & Textile, Computer Technology, Outdoor Education, First Nations Studies and Art Program. This middle school has a Soccer Academy. CLUBS: School sports include soccer, track and field, cross-country, basketball, volleyball, mountain biking, golf and Intramurals.Clubs include Interact, Drama, Rock Climbing.
Whistler Secondary
LOCATION: A 5 minute drive from Whistler Village GRADES: 8 - 12 NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 425 SPECIALTIES: The strong academic program, French Immersion, Visual Arts, Theatre and Social Justice. Academies offered include: Hockey Academy, Soccer Academy and Outdoor Leadership Education. Whistler Secondary has a history of hosting athletes who train and compete at high levels. SPECIALTIES: Strong Academic program, French Immersion, First Nations Studies, Art, Outdoor Education, Metal Art, Carving, Woodwork. The Ski Board Bike Academy and Grade 10 Outdoor Leadership are offered here. CLUBS: Outdoor Leadership, Flex-Ed Program, Sports school. School sports include basketball, rugby, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, mountain biking, track and field, dragon boat racing and intramurals. Clubs include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Media Development, Leadership, Yearbook, Chess, Climbing Cheerleading/ Dance Squad.
Pemberton Secondary
LOCATION: In the heart of Pemberton GRADES: 8 - 12 NUMBER OF STUDENTS:300 SPECIALTIES: Strong Academic program, French Immersion, First Nations Studies, Art, Outdoor Education, Metal Art, Carving, Woodwork. The Ski Board Bike Academy and Grade 10 Outdoor Leadership are offered here. CLUBS: School sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer, mountain biking, cross country running, dragon boat racing and intramurals. Clubs include Music, Leadership, Car, Book and Art.

HOMESTAY

Living with a Canadian family provides international students with a caring and supportive family environment. It gives students a chance, to learn about Canadian culture, customs, and lifestyle. Homestay families are carefully selected and must undergo a Criminal Record Check before being accepted into the program. Our Homestay Services Coordinator makes sure students are placed with a family that is the best possible match. Students will be sent the homestay profile as soon as a family has been confirmed. Families provide a safe, clean, comfortable home environment, a private bedroom for the student with facilities for studying, three healthy meals (and snacks) each day.