About SVNS
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School (SVNS) offers a holistic and unique education blending Nlakapamux Culture, Language and Traditions with contemporary educational theme. We see it as our goal to lead the community in this process of renewal. We see our job as nurturing young people to become healthy, educated and responsible citizens.
Our StoryIn 1993, Mestanta Technological Institute opened (MTI). MTI remained vibrant and effective until 1997, when a name change resulted in the current Stein Valley Nlakapamux School. Stein Valley Nlakapamux School is a registered member with the B.C. First Nations Schools Association. The School is mandated to provide instruction and courses approved by the B.C. Ministry of Education and BC Independent Schools.
For the past few years, the SVN School Board has been preparing to implement the new BC Education Curriculum so that their students can be prepared for the 21st Century! The Board believes that the Nlakapamux culture and way of life is conducive to the 21st Century learning methodology and that the students will meet the new curriculum core competencies as identified in the new BC Education curriculum. The BC Ministry of Education has promoted 21st Century Learning that is based on individualized learning and project based learning. According to the BC Ministry of Education discussion paper entitled, Defining Cross-Curricular Competencies, the principle of cross-curricular competencies should “lead to the development of the whole child – intellectually, personally, and socially. In a world of growing diversity and challenge, schools must do more than help students master the sets of knowledge and skills acquired through the standard subject areas.” |
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VisionOur students are proud Nlakapamux, academically successful and self-reliant, today and in the future. |
MissionWe provide a wide variety of holistic educational programs within a Nlakapamux environment that involves the students, families, staff, knowledge keepers and the community. |
PhilosophyWe believe that students who have Nlakapamux identity will have positive self-esteem and confidence to succeed. |
A unique element at SVNS is that we have a strong focus on language and culture. Students are instructed in Nlha.kapamuhhchEEN from K4 all the way through grade 12 and are taken on many cultural trips throughout the year. Students attend hunting and fishing camps, harvest local medicinal plants, and are given the history of sacred spots throughout the territory. They are also provided with regular NlhakapamuhhchEEn language classes that combine outdoor and indoor education.
At SVNS we believe that education is something that should be fun and engaging as well as academically challenging.
With that in mind, the school has created a skatepark, video games clubs, sports teams, homework clubs, theatre clubs, and many more extra-curricular opportunities.
