Xw'epiteng Elementary 25-26
OUR CONTEXT
Welcome to Xw'epiteng Elementary: A Place of Learning and Stewardship
Nestled in the heart of the unceded traditional territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation, Xw'epiteng Elementary—meaning "a place of many rabbits"—is more than just a school; it is a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing both the mind and the environment. The school name was gifted to the Surrey School District by Chief Chappell. Our school is located at 18035 8th Ave and thrives on the rich ecosystem of the Ta'talu Watershed.
At Xw'epiteng, we are surrounded by a diverse array of wildlife that enriches our learning environment. In the skies above, majestic eagles, graceful herons, and playful ducks soar alongside black-capped chickadees, hawks, and geese. On the ground, our students see and learn about rabbits, grasshoppers, bumblebees, coyotes, beavers, butterflies, and even cows! The waters teem with life, showcasing Chinook, Coho, and Pink Salmon, as well as salamanders, frogs, and fresh water mussels. The sounds of bumblebees buzzing, hummingbirds flitting, and frogs croaking create a symphony of nature that enhances our educational experience.
Our school is uniquely situated on a wetland that undergoes a natural cycle of flooding and receding in harmony with the 13 phases of the moon. This dynamic environment provides our students with firsthand experience of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. We emphasize the importance of the Ta'talu River as a vital habitat for Chinook Salmon, which in turn supports the survival of the Orca populations in the Salish Sea.
At Xw'epiteng, we are committed to fostering a sense of stewardship among our students. By integrating Semiahmoo Traditional Knowledge with Western knowledge, we empower our children to become responsible caretakers of the land. This educational approach is paramount as we work to unlearn the consumption and extraction habits prevalent in Western society and shift our perspective on wealth and sustainability.
As we continue to explore and learn about our environment, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and stewardship. Together, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and inspire future generations to protect and cherish the land we call home. Welcome to Xw'epiteng Elementary, where education meets the beauty of nature!
OUR LEARNERS
Students demonstrate learning that reflects the BC Curriculum Big Ideas, particularly an understanding that humans are connected to and responsible for the natural world. Through land‑based experiences, students act as environmental stewards, observing the land around them and learning through direct interaction with local ecosystems.
Students actively engage in learning that supports reconciliation, developing respect for Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and relationships with the land. Through experiences such as salmon rearing, garden stewardship, and drumming, students develop an understanding of interdependence, responsibility, and sustainability, contributing to their growth as curious learners and responsible citizens who consider their impact on future generations.
OUR FOCUS
Our Focus has been's Casel's Supportive School and Classroom Climates: School wide and classroom learning environments are supportive, culturally responsive, and focused on building relationships and community.
Self-Awareness
Students learn to recognize and understand their emotions, thoughts, strengths, and areas for growth.
- Use mood meters and emotional check-ins to identify and label feelings
- Express emotions through discussion, reflection, drawing, or journaling
- Reflect on personal strengths and challenges
- Build confidence and a growth mindset
Self-Management
Students develop strategies to regulate emotions, manage stress, and persevere through challenges.
- Learn health strategies to manage stress (breathing, movement breaks, mindfulness)
- Practice calming techniques when emotions feel overwhelming
- Set personal goals with opportunities for student voice and choice
- Persevere and get better at tasks that are difficult
Social Awareness
Students learn to understand and respect others’ feelings, perspectives, and experiences.
- Practice caring for other people’s feelings
- Develop empathy through stories, discussions, and role-play
- Learn to recognize how actions affect others
- Build inclusive, respectful relationships
Relationship Skills
Students learn how to communicate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
- Participate in weekly gatherings to build connection and community
- Practice active listening, turn-taking, and cooperation
- Learn how to ask for help and offer support to peers
- Use problem-solving strategies to resolve conflicts
Responsible Decision-Making
Students learn to make safe, respectful, and ethical choices and take responsibility for their actions.
- Explicit instruction through Kids in the Know and Safe Schools safety presentations
- Learn school expectations and safety strategies
- Take responsibility for actions through reflection and learning
- Engage in restorative practices to repair harm and strengthen relationships
Intentional School-Wide Practices
- Explicit SEL instruction embedded in classroom learning
- Consistent language and strategies across the school
- Restorative approaches that focus on accountability, empathy, and growth
- Student voice and choice to support ownership and engagement
OUR NEXT STEPS
Casel's Indicator's Youth voice and engagement will be our next steps. Staff honour and elevate a broad range of student perspectives and experiences by enegaging students as leaders, problem solvers, and decision-makers. Next year, we plan for our community and family members to have Foundational knowledge of SEL- Members of the school community, including families and community partners, can discuss SEL's importance and its impact on student outcomes and understand their role in helping students develop social and emotional competencies.
Next year, we are going to focus on writing. Each child will receive their own child Xw'epiteng journal where they will have opportunities throughout the year to showcase their writing. The journals will stay with the students throughout the years and then be given to them during the grade 7 Honouring Ceremony.
Surrey Schools
Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District currently has the largest student enrolment in British Columbia and is one of the few growing districts in the province. It is governed by a publicly elected board of seven trustees.
The district serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island.
