Support a Better School Structure for Lake Cowichan Students

We need your support to improve the educational environment for our children in Lake Cowichan.

Currently, the Lake Cowichan school system places students in a Kindergarten–Grade 3 school, and then groups all students from Grades 4–12 in a single building. This structure mixes very young children with much older teenagers — a situation that raises concerns about developmental mismatches, safety, and social-emotional wellbeing.

We believe it’s time to restructure the system to better serve our students at every stage of their development.

We are calling on SD79 to consider two alternative and more age-appropriate models:

Option 1: Kindergarten to Grade 7, and Grade 8 to Grade 12
Option 2: Kindergarten to Grade 4, Middle School for Grades 5–7, and Secondary School for Grades 8–12

Why this matters:

Developmentally appropriate learning: Students in Grades 4–7 are in a very different stage than teenagers in high school. They need learning environments that support their specific academic, emotional, and social growth.
Age-appropriate peer groups: A middle school or extended elementary structure ensures children interact with peers closer to their own age, reducing exposure to mature behaviors too early.
Safer, more supportive school culture: Students thrive when they feel secure and seen. Separating younger children from teens can greatly improve their sense of belonging and safety.
Consistency with other districts: Many districts across BC use either a K–7 / 8–12 or K–4 / 5–7 / 8–12 structure, reflecting best practices in education and child development.

What we’re asking for:

We urge the Cowichan Valley School District (SD79) to conduct a thorough review of the current grade configuration and seriously consider transitioning to one of these more balanced models. This process should include transparent and meaningful consultation with parents, educators, and community members.

Let’s work together to create a more age-appropriate, inclusive, and effective school structure for the students of Lake Cowichan.

👉 Sign this petition and share it with your friends, neighbors, and community members.

Together, we can give our children the safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive learning environments they deserve.