What we do

Denman Island Community School and the Denman Island Community Education Society (DICES) provide a variety of educational, support, and recreational services to children, youth, families, and adults in the community:

• Literacy and early intervention programs for pre-school and primary level students
• Support for teen students commuting off island
• Support for students enrolled in alternative education programs (e.g. distance education)
• Health and wellness education in cooperation with health care partners
• Support for children and families, in cooperation with other agencies e.g. food bank and hamper program)
• Continuing education - life long learning for all ages
• Employment counselling
• Youth Employment Services
• Information resources and referrals
• Community Access Terminals which provide access to the Internet
• Leisure learning
• Recreation programs
• Support for small business

Who we are

Denman Island Community School is one of three Community Schools in School District 71, Comox Valley. In addition to the regular "day" program provided by the school district, the Denman Island Community Education Society (DICES) provides staffing and support for community and school programs.

As of August, 2002, the essential position of Community School Coordinator has been shared between our two "co-coordinators." While this job sharing provides additional expertise, it also reflects provincial funding cutbacks that caused the Society Board to restructure and reduce our programs in 2002.

A community school takes some responsibility for, and is responsive to, all members of the local community, of all ages. Regular school students benefit from increased opportunities to enrich school curricula. At the same time, the community at large benefits from increased year-round access to facilities and a range of locally determined programs and support for all members of the community.

In this age of information, "learning communities" are a key component of sustainable community development. Community schools are commonly the heart of successful learning communities.


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Last site update: March 8, 2007   Copyright and Disclaimer