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).

Roberts Annex is a K-3, elementary school, located in downtown Vancouver. The school is currently at capacity, with a waitlist for registration. The school community is diverse with a variety of cultures and linguistic backgrounds represented. Approximately 34% our students are English language learners with 24 different languages spoken at home. Approximately 10% our students have Ministry designations and have a variety of supports in place to ensure their success. Roberts Annex families live throughout the densely populated downtown core, with the majority living in multi-unit, low and high-rise dwellings.

The layout of the school offers our students a primary learning experience in a small intimate community setting. Classrooms with sliding dividing walls, allow for collaborative learning opportunities. Classrooms face a central library learning commons, where flexible learning occurs. Staff and students all have a connection with each other, as they have shared learning experiences in this setting. In addition to administrative roles, the school’s Vice Principal teaches PE to all the students of the school, creating a strong connection with all students. Student Support Workers (SSAs) are an integral part of the teaching team. There is collaboration between teachers and SSAs in support of their students. At the end of Grade 3, students transition to Roberts Elementary, a large K-7 school with close to 700 students. The school has been preparing our grade 3 students for a successful transition through workshops and project work with the grade 3 students from the main school. Through these workshops, site visits, recess and lunch play opportunities at the main school, our annex students develop a greater sense of community and belonging.

Roberts Annex’s staff have committed to the VSB Collaborative Early Literacy Intervention (CELI) program. Through staff literacy meetings and collaboration, classroom best practices, small group and individual supports, the teachers of Roberts Annex emphasize strong literacy leadership and development. A Reading Recovery teacher also works with the students requiring the greatest support with literacy growth.

Staff provide learning opportunities and experiences that support the physical and mental well-being of our students. Through community building activities such as the breakfast club and the school musical, our annex students develop a greater sense of belonging. A district counsellor supports the social emotional well-being of our students through class presentations, friendship group facilitation and individual sessions. A District Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is also strongly connected to the community of the school.

Roberts Annex staff are committed to the goals and objectives towards reconciliation. Staff participate in professional development and collaborate on class and school wide presentations, lessons, and workshops. Students have opportunities to enhance their knowledge, awareness, appreciation of, and respect for Indigenous histories, traditions, cultures, and contributions. The school code of conduct utilizes a medicine wheel circle of courage, demonstrating the necessity for balance between the domains of Belonging, Independence, Generosity and Mastery.

Roberts Annex is supported by the VSB Community Connections Department. Together, we have collaborated with community agencies to provide after school activities such as yoga, sports programs, STEM workshops, Kidsafe programming during school holidays, holiday hampers and toy donations.

The Roberts Annex Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is an integral member of the school community. The PAC is dedicated to providing the best learning opportunities for our students by advocating for our neighborhood, raising funds and organizing community events.