Spotlight64: Trustees Visit Pender and Saturna

School Visits Highlight the Heart of Learning on Pender and Saturna

From student-led projects to place-based outdoor education, trustees witnessed firsthand how island schools are weaving community values, hands-on experiences, and a sense of connection to place to foster engaged and thriving students.

Last week, the Gulf Islands School District Board of Education visited schools on Pender and Saturna Islands, meeting with students and staff and seeing learning in action.

Across both islands, one message was clear: students thrive when learning is connected to community, place, and purpose.

Pender Islands School

At Pender Island School, Principal Margot Landahl described the focus on creating “a great place to learn.” The school plan centres on belonging, well-being, and academic success, supported by wellness, land-based learning, student agency, and anti-oppression education.

Intermediate students were clear about what makes learning meaningful: hands-on passion projects, interesting topics, leadership opportunities, and real choice. Outdoor learning came up often, with students asking for more opportunities to learn outside. It’s a reminder that the future of learning may be more flexible, active, and connected to the world beyond the traditional classroom.

Pender recently wrapped its third annual Read-a-Thon, a fundraiser that reflects a strong love of reading. Students are also increasing their volunteerism and community involvement. Trustees heard about the completed Pender bike trail and the hope that more families will be able to cycle to school as the weather warms.

Trustees also celebrated Pender’s wheelchair basketball program and the student-athletes who travelled to the 2026 BC Winter Games in Trail-Rossland. Their success reflects their dedication and the support of coach Tim Frick and the many families who cheered them on.

Saturna Island Elementary and SEEC

The visit continued on Saturna Island, where trustees spent time with the elementary class and the Saturna Ecological Education Centre (SEEC) program.

At Saturna Elementary, nine students learn together in a multi-grade classroom guided by four values: compassion, care, curiosity, and community. Vice-Principal and classroom teacher Jackie Borosa shared how these values shape daily learning.

A key theme was equity in action: students learn that fairness doesn’t always mean sameness, and that different learners need different supports. Learning includes outdoor exploration, creative projects, community partnerships, and conversations with Indigenous knowledge holders about Saturna’s deep history and stories.

The day concluded at Haggis Hollow and the SEEC program, which offers an extraordinary, place-based learning experience rooted in community and shared responsibility.

Students and Vice-Principal Ben Desrosiers described partnerships with local organizations and hands-on work such as environmental restoration, volunteering at Soup’s On, open mic nights, Island Talks, clam gardens, wetland restoration, and collaboration with other place-based programs (including Cortes Island Academy).

Students also spoke about living and learning together: working through conflict, setting boundaries, and building community through communication, consent, listening, flexibility, and care. They noted that close-knit learning can be challenging—and that important growth happens when you work through challenges together.

Students clearly described the difference between assigned work and meaningful learning. They shared how SEEC encourages deep focus, adaptability when plans change, seasonal outdoor learning, and natural connections across subjects like science, theatre, physical education, and environmental studies.

“Everywhere is a classroom.” One student’s words captured the essence of SEEC—and a broader truth about learning.

On Pender and Saturna, trustees saw learning that reaches beyond traditional boundaries. They heard student voice, met teachers who know their learners well, and observed programs that are strongest when they respond to the students they serve. The day was a reminder that some of the most meaningful education happens where students are truly known.

As spring break begins, the Board of Education sends warm wishes to students, staff, and families for a restful, well-deserved break, and renewed energy for the final stretch of the school year.