Some Special Features of KELSET Elementary School

  • The school is designed in conformance with the guidelines of the Canada Green Building Council for site and building sustainability (LEEDS standard).
  • The school is very energy efficient and has a unique design to maximize the flow of fresh air.
  • KELSET School has incorporated many special technological features, including voice enhancement systems, SMART Boards (interactive white board), ceiling mounted digital projectors and document cameras. Lab and classroom computers are all new.
  • We will be working in partnership with Panorama Recreation Centre (directly across the street) as well as the broader community to provide a strong, diversified physical education program, including regular use the 1 Km chip trail at the Recreation Centre. The school has a regulation-sized soccer field which will enhance community programs.
  • KELSET School features a "murphy-bed style stage" to support Fine Arts performances. The school has a large collection of Orff instruments and ukuleles. In the 2008/09 school year, Holly Arntzen will be an artist-in-residence and work with the students on a special program that will celebrate the joy of music and singing and focus on environmental awareness and sustainability.
  • All cultures will be celebrated at KELSET School, including the rich First Nations culture (approximately 15% of the student population are of First Nations ancestry). A Cultural Centre is located at the center of the school and features art work by local First Nations artists, including Chris Paul, Charles Elliott, Perry Lafortune and Leroy Bill.

An enthusiastic playground committee, comprised of staff, parents and community members is developing a comprehensive plan including a naturescape garden, greenhouse program and natural play areas, to complement the school's two new play structures, swing set and paved play areas. Stelly's secondary students will work will KELSET students to be stewards for the forest, including an invasive species abatement project. H.A.T. (Habitat Aquisition Trust) is part of this committee and is helping with environmental awareness and sustainability education.

Our School Name:

  • A committee made recommendations to the Board, indicating that the name should relate to the nearby waters of the Georgia Strait, given the beautiful view that we have from our school.
  • In consultation with the WSANEC First Nations, we learned that the waters below the new school were named KELSET, a historical reference to a time when canoes were brought ashore for bailing, in the safe harbor, following ocean-going journeys.
  • KELSET provides a perfect balance of reference to the geographical area and respect for First Nations history on the Saanich Peninsula.
  • Note that KELSET is pronounced KWOL-SIT and is spelled in all capital letters, with an accent over the K.

Parents' Advisory Council President: 250-656-1967 Jeannie Wright
Last modified: Thursday, 22 November 2012, 8:07 AM