Suwa'lkh is a transition program that supports youth in late Grade 8 through Grade 10. Students who attend the program may keep a connection to their home school. and have the opportunity to transition to a learning pathway or full-time in a neighbourhood school setting. At Suwa'lkh, students learn in smaller groups and engage in integrated curriculum that is responsive to students' interests and abilities. The program is intended for students who require more intensive social support and academic strategy-building in order to engage with learning. Suwa'lkh has a relationship focus and employs a focus on compassionate care and self-efficacy to build student capacity to transition when ready to another educational setting.
Purpose
Suwa'lkh provides individualized support for students to gain skills in self-efficacy social awareness, self-regulation and understanding of their own learning that they need in order to participate in healthy learning at school. It is a transition program that aims to prepare students to rejoin a neighborhood school or a secondary alternate site to work toward graduation. Suwa'lkh focusses on belonging, personal goal setting and developing student strengths and abilities. At Suwa'lkh, students learn to take responsibility for their own learning and to make positive choices and seek help appropriately. Working collaboratively with others is a central part of the program and assists with students' ability to return successfully to home-school settings or the next stage in their education.
Features & Benefits
- Transition planning and cross-enrolment with home school
- Youth worker and counselling support
- Individualized, self-paced student learning plans
- Self-regulation and self-efficacy focus
- Interest-based learning and outdoor education opportunities
- Social skills practice and group collaboration
- Community focused and collaborative
- Nutrition breaks and lunch program
Schedule
Suwa'lkh is a full-time program. Student learning plans can reflect cross enrolment with a home or neighbourhood school.
Community Partnerships
Suwa'lkh partners with a range of community agencies and organizations:
- Fresh Roots
- SHARE Family and Community Services
- Outward Bound
- Tri-Cities Child and Youth Mental Health
- Dan's Legacy
Eligibility Criteria & Referral Processes
Suwa'lkh students have received an intensive level of support over a period of time in their home schools and from district services and have struggled to be successful. Students are referred through their home school's school-based team processes and are done in consultation with parents/caregivers. Priority is given to School District #43, Coquitlam students. Out of district referrals must be directed to the District Principal at 604-939-9201 or districtprincipalalted@sd43.bc.ca. Students new to the district must register at their catchment school.
