Gladstone Secondary School is a school of about 1370 learners, located in East Vancouver's Kensington-Cedar Cottage community. Our catchment area extends from Knight Street on the west to Slocan Street on the east, and from 15th Avenue on the north to 41st Avenue on the south. We draw our students from a neighbourhood that, although predominantly lower middle to middle-class in socio-economic status, is characterized by diversity. Our students' families include a higher-than-average (for Vancouver) proportion of low-income households, yet the most common income category for households is $70,000+. Our neighbourhood is ethnically diverse as well, with fewer residents reporting English as their mother tongue as compared to the citywide average.
Gladstone's student population mirrors the community from which it is drawn. Our students speak almost 40 languages at home, with English ranking a distant second to Chinese. Our student body includes immigrants from every populated continent except Australia, and we are host to numerous International students. Gladstone's multicultural mix is a hallmark of the school, and is celebrated and valued by staff and students alike.
A prime objective of the school is to create a sense of community within which our students can feel secure and appreciated, and have leadership opportunities. A number of programs exist to further this goal. Student government is active and inclusive of students from all grade levels; they organize and carry out numerous dances, activity days, and other events throughout the school year. Gladstone's athletics programs are continuing to involve significant numbers of students. Student leadership and representation is encouraged in a number of decision-making venues; students contribute significantly, for instance, to the Social Responsibility committee, the School Planning Council and Vancouver District Students Council. Trained peer mentors provide significant support to Grade 8's and ESL students who are new to the school.
As befits a large and comprehensive secondary school, Gladstone offers a range of programs in both academic and non-academic areas. Along with the full scope of academic programs, we also offer a broad array of courses in our Technical Studies, Business Education, Fine Arts, Home Economics and Physical Education departments. Twenty-five Career Preparation programs are available to our students in conjunction with strong and active liaisons with community and educational partners who support our students' career and educational goals.
Academically, Gladstone caters to the varying abilities of its students with regular, enriched, and modified courses. Special programs to meet students' academic needs range from the Plus program, for Grade 8 students at academic risk, to the Gladstone Mini-School, an acceleration option for academically talented students. Gladstone also offers Canada's only secondary-level Montessori program. Programs and services are offered to English as a Second Language students within the classroom and the English Language Centre.
Our Special Education department offers programs and services for students with identified special needs, especially those with hearing and intellectual impairments. Students receive academic support through the Skills, Tutorial, and Resource Centres. Programs include a Learning Assistance Class, Learning Assistance/Life Skills, Social Development and the STTEP program. The off-campus East Side Alternative School provides placements for students who require intensive academic and social/emotional support.
Other support services include the Library Resource Centre, the counselling department, a career information centre, community health services, multicultural liaison workers, a First Nations School Support worker, a district speech language pathologist and a district psychologist. The School-Based Team discusses strategies for students with special needs, and a School Liaison Officer and an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Worker are available when a situation requires their services.
Gladstone parent groups are active in addressing the challenge of meeting the diverse needs of Gladstone parents. The Parent Advisory Council, which meets monthly, provides significant leadership and support. Their advice, initiatives and fund raising efforts have considerable impact on the school community. Another parent group, Community High School Association of Montessori Parents (CHAMP), encourages active parent participation in the Montessori program. Parent representatives are also members of the School Planning Council.
Contact Information:
4105 Gladstone Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada V5N 4Z2
Phone: 604 713 8288
Fax: 604 713 8287
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