FOUNDATIONAL STATEMENTS

The Board of Education, in its role as governor and advocate for public education in our community, has developed the district’s core values and beliefs, vision, philosophy and mission to ensure students achieve their fullest potential. The guiding principles are meant to serve as lenses which will guide the decisions and actions of every person in our district.

Our Core Values

The Saanich School District has five interrelated core values that provide the foundation for our actions and decisions:

• Compassion: Being empathetic and helpful
• Fairness: Being just and equitable
• Honesty: Being truthful, open and sincere
• Responsibility: Being transparent, answerable and accountable
• Respect: Being considerate and receptive

Our Beliefs

The Board of Education, on behalf of and based on consultation with the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation and the broader community, is committed to acting on the following beliefs:

• Aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and is central to the work we do and the decisions we make.
• Public education is fundamental to our democratic society and provides equity and equality of opportunity for all children.
• Public schools have the responsibility to prepare young people to be active, participatory members of the community who contribute to a healthy, diverse, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable society.
• Public education is a shared responsibility with the whole community. Decisions made locally by elected Boards of Education and by the Provincial Government must reflect the values and aspirations of a democratic society.
• Healthy relationships are the foundation of a successful public education system.
• We share responsibility for the health of our planet. Our schools, in the way they function and in the many ways learning occurs, must highlight environmental stewardship.

 Vision  

 Our vision is one of:

• A society that is inclusive, honouring and respectful
• A public education system that is responsive, relevant and resourced
• Education and society that operate in a pervasive partnership
• Learning experiences that create success for each child and constant learning for all
• Learning environments that are innovative and that are built from strength
• Learning environments that reflect the values of our community, inclusive of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, their culture and their traditions, including the teaching of SENĆOŦEN which has been spoken on this land since time immemorial.

 Philosophy

 Public education is fundamental to our democratic society and is a key institution which provides for the equality of opportunity for all citizens. Public education shares responsibility with parents for preparing our young people as citizens contributing to a cohesive, socially responsible society.

 Mission

 We are committed to:

• Preparing of our young people to realize their potential as educated, responsible citizens prepared to make quality choices and positive contributions in a democratic society;
• Helping students develop skill at learning, confidence in their ability to learn and attitudes that encourage life-long learning;
• Supporting the achievements of all students.

 Strategic Plan Themes

 1.    LITERACY – To improve student literacy across the curriculum for all students with a particular focus on early learning

 2.   INDIGENOUS LEARNER SUCCESS – To engage in practices that support culturally responsive and barrier-free learning environments for Indigenous students

 3.    MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS – To promote mental health and well-being through social emotional learning and trauma-informed practice

 4.    GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP – To provide opportunities and experiences that inspire learners to be knowledgeable, curious and active global citizens who support the well-being of oneself, family, community and our environment