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). 

Queen Mary Elementary School is situated in the residential community of West Point Grey. The school is located within walking distance of many green spaces, beaches and community resources. The school’s catchment also includes the Jericho Lands formally owned by the Department of National Defense and recently acquired by the Musquem, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. In 2016, there was a seismic upgrade completed which has enhanced learning opportunities for students through increased access to collaborative learning spaces and upgraded infrastructure.

Queen Mary supports the varied learning needs of approximately 315 students, including a significant number of international and local students who speak English as a second language. Around 10% of the student population have identified special needs and are fully integrated into classes. Our school building design and teaching programs place value on community through collaborative activities across the school community, between grades and within classes. Staff use a variety of authentic and formative assessment tools and strategies to help students identify their strengths and encourage them towards the next steps in their learning journey.

Mental well-being is important at Queen Mary. Our school teaching teams work together with our school counsellor to integrate a variety of learning opportunities aimed at building on the skills and strategies students can use to become responsible and caring members of our school community. We highlight the importance of physical fitness through school wide fitness events and extra-curricular sports throughout the school year. And our access to ample local green spaces support regular student connection to our natural environment, indigenous education opportunities as well as a chance to be physically active outdoors. Our school grounds include a wide variety of spaces for both learning and playing including a school garden where students build their understanding of indigenous plants, local ecological, food systems and sustainability.

Students at Queen Mary have access to and regularly use a variety of technology tools to support their learning. Multiple portable laptop and iPad carts ensure that all students have access to digital tools for learning and sharing their knowledge. Ozobots, Micro:bit, Spheros and Edison technologies provide opportunities for students to develop their understanding of computer programming and robotics.

Music is also an important part of the Queen Mary experience for students. Students have opportunities throughout the year to learn and participate in small group and whole school sing-a-longs to live music with school staff. Students also have access to a more formal music education program with our music specialist teacher. Musical learning opportunities now include choral music for primary students and beginning instruments such as recorder and Ukelele for intermediate students.

Our parent community plays an active role supporting school programs. Parents volunteers offer their time to classroom activities, field trips and extra-curricular programs. They have also been active in various school community functions and fund-raising initiatives to enrich the classroom and school facilities.