Indigenous students at Comox Valley Schools are continuing to graduate at a higher level than the province.
The results for the 2018-2019 school year showed an 83 percent completion rate, which is significantly higher than the provincial average of 69.4 percent.
SD71 says the six-year graduation rates for Indigenous students in the Comox Valley have reached a new high as well.
Superintendent of Schools Tom Demeo says one of the reasons why students are doing so well is the fact that SD71 embraces Indigenous ways and knowing in the curriculum and has identified it as a key priority in the Board of Education’s Strategic Plan.
“Our Indigenous education staff are instrumental in enhancing school programs, events and activities that encourage teachers and students to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and history,” says Demeo.
“We are always seeking out more opportunities to embed Indigenous ways and knowing into the classrooms and this is also due in large part to the strong partnership we share with the Indigenous Education Council and our school Elder-in-Residence program.”
The Ministry of Education says over the past two years, the provincial six-year school completion rate is at historically high levels for Indigenous students, up eight percent overall since 2013-2014.
