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).

šxʷəxʷaʔəs (swok-kvos) Thunderbird, Elementary is a designated Enhanced Services school on the north-east side of the city. For 2023-2024 we have approximately 202 students whose families come from diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds. Approximately 50% of the students are English Language Learners and 11% of students meet Ministry standards for requiring specialized support for their learning needs. We have a variety of programming to support all usstudents in the regular classroom setting, such as a well-equipped sensory room, a fine motor area, and a collaborative space, the Learning Lab.

šxʷəxʷaʔəsThunderbird has a full-time Youth and Family Worker, Neighbourhood Assistant, and Literacy Teacher. We also have a full-time onsite food services coordinator. We offer a breakfast and a lunch program and provide a variety of healthy snacks to all learners. The hot breakfast program regularly serves over 20% of the school population and the hot lunch program caters to approximately 70% of the students. Additionally, Strong Start offers programming for preschool-aged children, and KidSafe provides out-of-school programming for school-aged children for a limited number of referred students during prolonged breaks.

The school shares the site with the Thunderbird Community Centre and works closely with community center staff to plan after-school programs and day camps during prolonged breaks and professional development days. The community center also has before and after-school care, as well as a preschool program. We have and will continue to work collaboratively with the Community Schools Team and have many close partnerships with community groups and agencies such as Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC), and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

Students also enjoy presentations on environmental issues from the City of Vancouver and work closely with an Artist in Residence, exploring the commonalities shared between us, and looking at how the differences between us can forge a deeper community connection through the discovery of self and how we fit together. Further, we provide leadership opportunities through participation in the Student Council, PA announcers, playground leaders and equipment monitors. Additionally, we have a thriving sports program, offering many opportunities to participate in team and individual sports at the school district level.