Story Time
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Chapter 1 Down the Rabbit Hole
Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversations?”
So she was considering, in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her.
There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself “Oh dear! Shall be too late!” (when she thought it over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural); but, when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch to take out of it, and, burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.
In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again.
Read more of this books at ChildrensLibrary.org
Our Vision
Through the development of community based initiatives of the Kwakiutl people of Fort Rupert, Wagalus School provides the foundation to build a positive self–image in our children and instill pride in themselves and their heritage. The traditions of the Kwakiutl people, the hasa’ of our ancestor’s, the sacred number four, and the symbolism of the tree of life, provide the tools for parents/caregivers and families to support and strengthen the early development of our children. A holistic educational experience that incorporates traditional teaching and values will prepare our children not only throughout their educational experience, but also, it will support them throughout life. Children must be equally enriched in the following five dimensions: spiritual, social, emotional, educational, and physical.
Brief History
Wagalus School is located in the village of Fort Rupert. Our school logo was created by Tom Hunt. The school was named by the elders of the village. Wagalus translates to “Rainbow”; in English. It was originally opened as a daycare, and it eventually closed and became a school. The school was once a one room school room with only a Teacher in Charge and a Teacher Assistant. The grades were K4, K5, and grades one.
Grade Information
Throughout the years, we have increased our grades to grade six. We currently offer Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades One to Six.
Today, Wagalus School is a multi–age school that fosters the child’s individual needs.
Preschool
Our Preschool Program is offered four days a week to 4 year old children. We have a qualified ECE worker who creates a learning through play environment. These Students participate in a hot lunch program twice a week and a swimming program once per week.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program is a full day program that is run from Wagalus School. We have a qualified teachers that works directly with the students.
Grades 1 – 6
The students in grades 1 through 6 are taught the BC Curriculum with emphasis on reading and mathematics. We have the most current programs to allow our students the most advantages in their schooling. In addition we also have a hot lunch program 3 times a week, and a snack program 5 times a week.
All of the students participate in the swimming program and gymnastics program.
Cultural/Language Program
We have an extensive Cultural and Language Program. We have a qualified teacher that is an elder in our community. She teaches the basics of the Kwakwala language and culture. We also offer a weekly Dance Program. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 have 30 minutes 4 times per week in this program.
Read well
The School makes use of the Read Well Program for students from Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Read Well is a unique, research–based reading program that combines systematic phonics, mastery–based learning, and rich content. From the beginning, children develop strong decoding skills, comprehension strategies, and sophisticated content knowledge. Teachers across the country are reporting higher test scores and happier, more literate students.
Saxon Math
Saxon Math is used by Kindergarten to Grade 6 Students.
Saxon Math is structured for results:
* Unique math instruction
* Students retain learned skills
* Immediate, measurable and long lasting results
Socials Studies
The Social Studies Program focuses on Resources on Community, Home, Canada, Family, and safety.
Science Program
In The Science Program lessons are taught on a variety of subjects and students are able to describe and remember various components.
The class also participates in a salmon in the classroom project, wherein salmon eyed eggs are placed in the classroom for 8 weeks to observe development of the eggs. The eggs are released into an adjacent spring during the spring.
The classes also study whales and marine life. Moreover, the school takes a trip to Telegraph Cove Interpretive Centre for study of Whale Bones.
There is a DFO marine biologist that provides a classroom lecture and a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium and a local beach.