WELCOME TO
HAAHUUPAYAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Haahuupa means "continuous teaching with care."
At haahuupayak, children are guided to meet their potential while gaining knowledge and appreciation of their culture.
Nuu Chah Nulth Language & Culture
Language and culture is at the centre of our school's vision. ?unaaknish ?ukwic ?iqhmuut qwaacak ̓ – “We have our own ancestral way of being.” Teachers participate, learn language, grow in our culture. Professional development days focus on language for all core teachers to build their fluency. The school is linked with community cultural events and practices – tied to the after school program, such as dance practices on Wednesday using the bus. Our First Nations Museum/Native Studies room teaches and displays culture and instills pride. We teach the name and the history of our places. We emphasize cultural exchange experiences and sharing of culture, songs and dances with other communities Elders and children teach each other every day.
Enrolment is open to non-native students who wish to study and learn from our local history and culture.
Outstanding Teachers and Support Staff
Dedicated teachers, a large staff of Educational Assistants, and special supports such as an in-house counsellor and speech and language specialists ensure that haahuupayak students receive personal attention, care and guidance.
State of the Art Facilities and Technology
Welcoming classrooms equipped with smartboards and ipads, a beautiful gym, school bus, computer lab, library and the best playground in the Valley ensure haahuupayak students study in a healthy, modern environment equipped with up-to-date technology.
School District Integration
Throughout their time at haahuupayak, students interact with students in School District 70 for the benefit of all. Basketball tournaments, field trips, and curriculum syncing ensure that by the time they reach Grade 7, students are ready to attend the next level together.
Governance
Haahuupayak is an Independent School with a Class 2 accreditation. We are governed by a Board of Directors including a Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Secretary/ Treasurer and 2 directors. New directors are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting on a rotational basis. This process maintains consistency in history, priorities, and progress made by the school. The Board of Directors work directly with the Principal assisting with direction of school, policy development and financial oversight.
For 2023-2024, the community board members include:
Martin Watts – Board Chair
Tamiko Rampenan – Vice Chair
Ian Caplette – Secretary/ Treasure
Mike Watts – Director
Len Lindstronm Watts – Director
Leisa Hassall- Tseshaht Council Representative
School Board
Haahuupayak School Board’s mandate is to provide nurturing and culturally responsive programs for all students to support a solid academic foundation. The board is dedicated in developing and maintaining partnerships with families, communities and organizations throughout the West Coast Region. Working together, these connections support students strengthening their development in leadership, wisdom, spiritual and personal abilities as lifelong learners.
Haahuupayak Board priorities include:
- Leadership
- Language and Culture
- Health and Wellness
- Effective Instructional Staff
- Funding
haahuupayak Community Information
Located on Tseshaheh in beautiful Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, haahuupayak students experience the flora and fauna of the west coast right outside their classrooms.
HAAHUUPAYAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
6000 Santu Drive
Port Alberni, British Columbia V9Y8X9
Phone: 250-724-5542
haahuupayak.com