With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

Dickens Annex is a buzzing community nestled in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood of East Vancouver on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm|Musqueam, Sḵwxwú7mesh|Squamish & səlilwətaɬ |Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The school community is comprised of families with ethnic origins including, but not limited to: English, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese. Dickens Annex maintains an overarching theme of child-centeredness supported by four defined pillars:

• multi-age groupings of students within classrooms and work groups

• differentiated instruction for student engagement and learning

• authentic assessment for learning to monitor individual and continuous progress

• working within a collaborative learning environment

Students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset to extend their knowledge and experiences while contributing to their school environment by being bucket fillers through kindness and care towards themselves and others. Students are provided opportunities to participate in a multitude of leadership opportunities including but not limited to hosting weekly assemblies and leading school singing. The staff, students, and parents value students being active participants in understanding their learning needs and strengths, as well as setting their own learning goals. These elements are reflected in our school Code of Conduct, ”Do your best, Help Others, Find Joy”.

Dickens Annex shares an active and dedicated Parent Advisory Council (PAC) with Dickens Main. The PAC offers many diverse events throughout the year, culminating in an annual Spring Fling. We welcome parents into the school to contribute to student learning as volunteers, sharing their knowledge and experiences with the students.

The learners, staff, and school community appreciate and value Indigenous histories, cultures, and traditions and are committed to their ongoing learning. This is evident in parent participation for events like drum making, drum awakening, and singing of the Coast Salish Anthem at weekly assemblies. With our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, we continue to unlearn and learn through oral storytelling, hands on experience, and personal connections.