WHAT IS A COMMUNITY SCHOOL?
A community school takes one of the largest and most under-utilized public facilities, the public school, and increases its investment by keeping it open evenings, weekends and during the summer for community activities.
Through multi-ministry funding and non-profit partnerships, community schools address the needs of all age groups, with programs for preschoolers, after school care, and adult education and recreation. The expanded mandate of the educational system in recent years has strengthened the potential of community schools in BC.
Community schools provide effective settings to implement early childhood development programs and prevention-based programs for youth and families. Extensive research, much of it from BC studies, shows overwhelming economic and social returns to society that result from investing in prevention and integrating community services.
Community schools provide a way for community residents, with or without children, to participate in the activities of their neighbourhood school. The variety of programs and services they offer helps to meet the specific educational, recreational and social needs of the area they serve.
Click here to watch some videos and learn more about Community schools in BC
THE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OF BURNABY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Burnaby’s Community School model was established in 1976 as a result of a strong partnership between the school district and the City of Burnaby. The first school to become a community school was Lochdale Elementary. At the time, it was one of the first community schools in the province. Today there are seven elementary community schools within the Burnaby School District: Edmonds, Gilmore, Lochdale, Maywood, Second Street, Stoney Creek,and Stride Avenue. There is also a secondary community school at Byrne Creek.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL: VALUES
We believe it takes a whole community to raise a healthy child. Healthy children and healthy families in turn build healthy communities. The values of Community Education are guided by:
- Inclusiveness
- Self-determination & self-help
- Shared resources — human, physical and financial
- Leadership development
- Lifelong learning
- Interagency coordination, cooperation and collaboration
- Neighbourhood-based action
- Sustainability