
Programs and Services
Programs and Services
At Bowen Island Community School, we offer elementary school education for students from Kindergarten through to Grade 7.
BICS Indigenous Educations Plan 2023-2024
Please see the attached PDF:Indigenous Education School Plan 2024-25
BICS Indigenous Education School Plan 2023-2024
Place Based Learning Experiences
The unique natural setting of Bowen Island lends itself to in depth environmental learning experiences. Our school and community work together closely in the areas of conservation and stewardship.
Music
Under the direction of Cindy Fairbank, the BICS Music program provides music classes to all students in grades K-7.
Registration for Intermediate Band is available to all students in grades 6 and 7. Band registration is now open, please go to http://westvancouverschools.ca/programs/elementary-band to register now!
Athletics
BICS participates in Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and Track & Field.
After School Day Care
The Bowen Island Children’s Centre runs an After School Day Care program for children in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and is located at BICS. The program is open weekday afternoons when school is in session and all elementary school age children are accepted, whether or not they attend BICS. Please contact the Bowen Island Children’s Centre for more information at (604) 947 – 9626.
Communitiy Activities
Homework Club
This after school program is open to BICS students in Grades 3-6. Students may read, research or work on any type of homework project with adult support. A free snack is also provided. The Homework Club runs on Monday afternoon from 3:00 – 4:30 pm) in the BICS Multi purpose room. There is no cost as it is financially supported by a number of community partners.
Student Support Services
Educational needs of individual students are addressed through a variety of programs. In addition to active, meaningful classroom learning experiences, we offer support from an expert staff of professionals at the school and district level. Our School-Based Team (SBT) consisting of the Principal, Learning Support Teachers, Gifted Resource Teacher, School Counsellor, District Speech and Language Pathologist and District Educational Psychologist, consult with teachers on a regular basis to help develop strategies and provide additional resources to students who have identified needs to support their cognitive and social and emotional development. Parents are notified when teachers make a referral to the SBT and are contacted after the SBT meeting with their recommendations. Parental consent is required for any formal assessments and/or pull-out support.
Technology
Thanks to the generous support of our PAC, BICS has over40 mobile technology devices available to students. In addition, all classrooms have wireless projectors in their classrooms that facilitate the effective integration of technology into the learning process. Students in grades four through seven are encouraged to bring in their own digital device.
We envision a school where teachers leverage the power of technology in their classrooms to support the development of literacy, math and critical thinking skills. In developing these skills, students will acquire new skills such as media and technological literacy so that they can learn how to use technology ethically and efficiently.”