During the last week of May, Moricetown Elementary Secondary School underwent a rigorous assessment process, required every five years. The First Nation School Association (FNSA) visited all of our classrooms doing the mandated assessment of our programmes. Of the 130 schools in the BC system, ours is funded by both the federal government and the BC Ministry of Education.

We weren’t surprised to be graded incomplete on a few items. What we were surprised at was the staff, student and community responses to at being asked the question, What is powerful and positive in your school?

I had a charming conversation with Darryl Ashdown, one of the assessors.

After the break, we’ll hear from another of our education programmes, where students in the Trades class are making plans to build the village an elder’s gazebo. Having such a structure near the orchard allows people to come and rest, but also entices them into the edible forest, with all its benefits.

For more information on the school assessment, visit http://www.moricetown.ca/moricetown-elementary-school/