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Allergens policy
Allergens policy
Snacks and lunches must not include known allergens. In 2024-2025, this means no pistachios and no cashews, or foods that have come in contact with those (for example, no trail mix with the cashews picked out).
Risky PLay
Risky PLay
We value risky play at Sooke Heartwood! A typical day might include tree climbing, jumping in and over streams, and using real tools for clearing trails and placemaking.
To ensure safety, some learners may find that the Heartwood guidelines and rules around risky play may be more limiting than they are used to in their home environment. Learners must be ready to follow the guidelines and limits set by the teaching team.
Consent & Non-Violence
Consent & Non-Violence
At Sooke Heartwood, non-violence and consent mean that we treat one another with kindness and compassion, and we check in with each other on an ongoing basis. Our agreement includes that we do not engage in gun play, rough play, or violent language.
We know that learning and understanding non-violence and consent is an ongoing and evolving process. The teaching team supports learners in this process. Depending on the situation this may look like conversations with learners and/or families in the moment, at a later time, or as a direct intervention.
For more info about the overarching school framework, see the SD71 and NIDES Student Code of Conduct here.
COmpassionate PIck-up
COmpassionate PIck-up
If a student is not ready to be at a Heartwood day, the teacher may call the parents or guardians to arrange for a compassionate pick up.
First Peoples' Principles of Learning
First Peoples' Principles of Learning
We value and incorporate the First Peoples Principles of Learning. These were articulated by Indigenous Elders, scholars and knowledge keepers to guide the development of the curriculum and teaching of the the English First Peoples course created by the BC Ministry of Education and First Nations Education Steering Committee in 2006/2007.
Visit the FNESC website here for more information.
In Albert Marshall's words, "Two-Eyed Seeing refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing and from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing and to using both of these eyes together” (Bartlett, Marshall, & Marshall, 2012, p. 335).
Dress for the weather
Dress for the weather
Dress for BOTH the weather you see outside your door AND the weather that is forecast if it's different. In fact, prepare to be dressed for three seasons! The sun trap at the bottom of the ramp can be really warm. The field can also get icy when the wind picks up.
Be Ready for Wet
Be Ready for Wet
We have limited shelter from rain, so a waterproof outer layer and hat are essential. As you surely know, we regularly get wet (often by student choice!), so a spare pair of socks are essential. Pack them in a dry resealable plastic bag, and leave them in your backpack so you're always prepared. An extra warm layer -- preferably of wool or fleece is also recommended.
Nourish & Hydrate
Nourish & Hydrate
Keeping warm in cold weather takes fuel! So be sure to pack nourishing snacks and meals. Bring a bottle of drinking water. As you are able, a thermos with a hot meal is fantastic. A thermos of warm water or herbal tea is also a great way to warm up.
Inclement Weather Notices
Inclement Weather Notices
In the event of a Sooke schools closure, we will follow the SD62 closure plan, and confirm with a message by email and on the Sooke Heartwood Facebook page by 8:00am.
The SD 62 webpage generally post cancellations by 6:30am, and also share it on their Facebook and "X" feed as well as on local radio stations.
Short Notice Closures
Short Notice Closures
Given our unique circumstances as an outdoor program, we may also need to call for an unscheduled early pick-up if the circumstances demand it, in which case families will be contacted by text or phone.
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