Spotlight64: Fernwood Elementary - A Vibrant Start to School Visits

This year, the Gulf Islands Board of Education is beginning a new practice: sharing reflections from each of our school visits. These visits are a cherished opportunity for trustees to spend time in our schools, to connect with staff and students, and to celebrate the unique learning cultures that thrive across our district.

We began this year’s journey at Fernwood Elementary School on Salt Spring Island, where we were warmly welcomed by principals Marie Mullen and Shelley Johnson. Home to just under 200 students, Fernwood is building a reputation as a vibrant and collaborative learning community, and our visit made it easy to see why.

Highlights from the School Plan Presentation

From the start, we were invited into the heart of the school through a presentation in the school’s library on Fernwood’s 2025/26 school plan. Among the highlights was a focus on early learning literacy, with Principal Mullen leading this work both at Fernwood and across the district. Students are carefully supported through assessment and re-assessment, ensuring that every child has the tools they need for reading success.

Alongside literacy, the school’s focus on well-being and involvement in the Feeding Futures program stood out. Meals for students are prepared by the GISS culinary team and students, turning a district investment in kitchen upgrades into both nourishment for elementary learners and valuable experience for our high school students. It’s a beautiful example of schools supporting one another.

Touring the Classrooms and School Spaces

After our time in the library, we set off to tour the school and what a welcome we received! From kindergarten to grade 7, classrooms opened their doors with cheerful waves, curious smiles, and students eager to show us what they were working on. We peeked in on intermediate students puzzling through math problems, younger learners enjoying a story during snack time, and classrooms alive with energy, focus, and joy.

Fernwood’s physical spaces are just as inspiring as the learning inside them. Every classroom connects directly to its own outdoor learning space, a unique design feature that brings fresh air and natural beauty into the rhythm of the school day. Beyond the classrooms, we admired the gymnasium, spacious fields, and a recently built playground, a dynamic space where students can climb, create, and connect in countless ways.

Gratitude and Closing Reflections

Our visit left us deeply grateful. To be welcomed so openly into classrooms and to witness the dedication of teachers, educational assistants, and support staff was truly a privilege. Fernwood Elementary is a shining example of what makes our schools special: a community rooted in care, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success.

Thank you to everyone at Fernwood for inviting us in. We look forward to sharing more stories as we continue our visits across the district this year.