Qualicum School District

Qualicum School District
The student population of approximately 4000 students is served by the centrally located Qualicum School District on east Vancouver Island. The Qualicum School District comprises eight primary schools that serve children in Grades K–7, two secondary schools that serve students in Grades 8–12, an elite private school called PASS/Woodwinds, and a Distributed Learning course named the Collaborative Education Alternative Program (CEAP) that helps families who prefer to learn at home. At Ballenas High School and Oceanside Elementary School in the Qualicum School District, a French Immersion course is offered.
The Qualicum School District is a significant employer in the area and contributes to the local economy. It has implemented several measures to reduce the area's carbon footprint, such as energy and water-saving programs, fuel choices, fuel efficiencies, and recycling, reflecting the district's commitment to environmental sustainability. This commitment is shared with staff and students alike.
Community organizations and members are welcome in Qualicum School District 69's schools, and various programs in the district involve parents, seniors, peer, and intergenerational mentors. The Board of Education's mandate has expanded to include early and adult learning, indicating the district's work in the early years through Building Learning Together and in the adult years through Adult and Continuing Education programs. Oceanside Literacy Now helps the district identify resources in the community for literacy support and gaps that need to be addressed.

Programs in Qualicum School District
Qualicum School District takes pride in offering an array of Programs of Choice that provide distinctive and pioneering learning opportunities for its diverse student population. These programs are administered in alignment with the district's guiding principles and approach regarding financial responsibility. Therefore, Programs of Choice classrooms at Qualicum School District, like regular classrooms, are frequently structured into combined grade arrangements. All program options are designed to align with or support the B.C. curriculum and facilitate a pathway towards Grade 12 graduation.
It should be noted that students must first register at their catchment school before applying to a program of choice. While the Board of Education is committed to ensuring the sustainability of Programs of Choice placements, it must balance this commitment with pressing building capacity concerns and the need for students to attend their local schools. As part of the budget process, all Programs of Choice undergo an annual review. Though they generate significant interest and are typically continued each year, they can be subject to cancellation due to enrollment and budgetary factors. As a result, applicants may not receive confirmation of their enrollment in a particular Program of Choice until May of the current school year, and availability of space in these programs within Qualicum School District is limited.
In the Qualicum School District, Core French is taught to promote functional comprehension and communication in French, and to cultivate appreciation for French cultures. This language course is available to students in Grades 5 to 8, with the option to take it as an elective in Grades 9-12.
The French Immersion program within Qualicum School District is designed for non-francophone students to attain fluency in both English and French languages. This program allows students to experience French culture and language daily while learning the British Columbia curriculum. Through the program, students develop language acquisition skills, which help them learn other languages more efficiently. The French Immersion program starts in Kindergarten with all instruction in French, and English Language Arts is introduced in Grade 4. The percentage of learning in French gradually decreases as students show progress through school until they reach 25% of their coursework in French by Grade 12. Graduates of the program can communicate in French, pursue post-secondary studies in French, and explore bilingual employment opportunities. The French Immersion program is offered at École Oceanside Elementary and École Ballenas Secondary schools in the Qualicum School District. Oceanside Elementary provides instruction for Kindergarten to Grade 7 students, while Ballenas Secondary serves Grades 8 to 12 students.
The Snaw'naw'as and Qualicum First Nations share this area with Qualicum School District, which acknowledges its presence on Coast Salish territory. All families and kids who identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit are welcomed and supported by the district. "First Nations" in this sense refers to all Aboriginal people as well as those with Metis and Inuit ancestry. The right of all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students to a top-notch education in the public school system is acknowledged by the Education Enhancement Agreement between the district and the Ministry of Education and the communities of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people who live within the boundaries of the Qualicum School District. The agreement intends to give students with a fulfilling graduation experience that will enable them to successfully contribute to their communities and the society of their choice.
Moreover, the Qualicum School District's Indigenous Education division is dedicated to ongoing Truth and Reconciliation. To foster a sense of belonging among families and students, the department places a high priority on bringing Indigenous history, language, and culture to the center of its services. The department has made working with all families and employees a top priority.
Also, the Qualicum School District's International Student Program is an outstanding opportunity for international students who seek a top-notch education in Canada. This program is committed to providing a diverse and unique learning experience, allowing international students to fully engage with Canadian culture while receiving exceptional education. The program is designed to offer a world-class education within a secure, supportive, and friendly environment. The teachers are highly skilled and committed to the success of the students. The curriculum includes a wide range of academic programs such as English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, and Physical Education. In addition, the program offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, sports, and clubs, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
The Qualicum School District is dedicated to promoting an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all of its students. They firmly believe that all students should be educated in regular classrooms and in age-appropriate settings to the fullest extent possible. In order to achieve this goal, the district provides a range of support services that include curricular adaptations, classroom accommodations, and other supports tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual learner.
For students who require additional support, the district offers small group and individualized instruction, provided by a team of professionals that includes Learning Services teachers, speech-language pathologists, school counselors, and a district psychologist. The district's Learning Support staff aims to build a collaborative, personalized, inclusive learning community that nurtures resilient students who can become contributing members of society.
A lump sum payment from the Qualicum School District covers all costs associated with learning assistance programs, including support teachers, specialists, educational assistants, learning resources, and equipment. The Qualicum School District adopts a comprehensive strategy that distributes resources based on the amount of student need, regardless of their categorization, as opposed to giving particular entitlements to kids in designated special needs categories.

Accommodation
At Qualicum School District, students from all over the world are welcomed with open arms. International students seeking a place to stay during their studies have a variety of options available, even though the school district itself doesn't offer housing.
Staying with a homestay family is a common option for overseas students. Homestays offer a secure and comfortable living environment while allowing students to experience Canadian culture. Homestays are arranged by the school district, and costs typically vary from $800 CAD to $1,000 CAD per month, depending on the type of assistance required. There are many apartment buildings and rental homes nearby if students desire a more independent lifestyle. Depending on the area and size of the flat, the monthly rent can vary, but a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $1,200 CAD.
The school district has a dedicated international student support team that provides assistance with finding housing and navigating the local community. Students can rest assured that they will receive support and guidance throughout their stay, regardless of their living arrangements.
Future Prospects
Students who graduate from a school in the Qualicum School District have access to a wide range of rewarding job options. International graduates who qualify for the post-graduation work permit program can work in Canada for up to three years after graduation, gaining significant job experience. This program is a great opportunity to work in Canada while potentially meeting the requirements for permanent residency.
There are numerous options available for persons interested in obtaining permanent residency, such as the Express Entry system, which determines if skilled employees are eligible for such status. The Canadian Experience Class, which gives preference to candidates with Canadian work experience, may be open to international graduates who have accrued Canadian work experience through the PGWPP.
Due to the prosperous economy and numerous opportunities offered by Canada, many students who graduate from Qualicum School District decide to remain there. Those looking for a better life are drawn to Canada because of its inclusive culture and welcoming attitude toward immigrants. Graduates from other countries who want to stay in Canada for a lengthy period of time may be able to apply for citizenship, which comes with a host of advantages, such as the ability to vote and access to government benefits.

 

In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Homestay for international students in order to study in Qualicum School District or other schools in Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.