Keep Tillicum Annex!

Tillicum is a unique designated inner city school; part of a support network families depend on. Closure would disproportionately impact families in need.

NEED: The school population reflects our diverse surrounding community with approximately 34% English Language Learners, 23% Special Needs Students and 21% Indigenous Students. Many families do not have cars and travelling up to 5km more to school each day would be a real challenge. FN students receive culturally appropriate support in a welcoming environment where they are well-represented. Tillicum offers Reading Recovery – Early Literacy (Reading) Intervention and we are a model of SEL (Social Emotional Learning) with Mind Up and Jump Start, and Ready Bodies Learning Minds (K/1). A higher % of families than usual are involved with Social Services - our Youth and Family Worker has years-long relationships with these children and families. The school's size allows the worker to work with all classes weekly to teach self-regulation and inclusion skills.

SHARED USE: A well-attended Strong Start program in a Tillicum classroom prepares local children for school and supports parents in parenting and service referrals. Tillicum shares a city block with Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, a lifeline for many vulnerable families for whom cost and convenience are major factors: A large percentage of children at Tillicum are food-insecure or "at risk”. Kiwassa services include: free student/family breakfasts school days, low cost after-school and school break child care, drop-in Family Place, food banks and food programs, immigrant and translation services, and supportive housing. Kiwassa programs use the Tillicum gym for after-school programs regularly.

DEMAND: In June 2018 though enough students had registered to have 2 kindergarten classes (20% expansion) VSB denied a 2nd class and these students were shifted to other farther schools.