Quw'utsun Smuneem (Our Cowichan Children) Elementary School opened it current school in May 2003. At this time Quw'utsun Smuneem teaches Kindergarten to Grade Four in six classrooms. Eventually the school will go up to Grade Seven.

Over the years the staff at Quw'utsun Smuneem has worked diligently to develop an academic program that focuses on improving reading and math. Particular focus is put on literacy. Our goal is to have our children reading with fluency and complete comprehension by Grade Three. Quw'utsun Smuneem aims to keep classes small. There are not more than 22 children per classroom.

Cowichan teachings and the Hul'q'umi'num' language are integrated into the curriculum. Every class gets three (4) 30 minute classes a week in Hul'q'umi'num' instruction, plus the language is incorporated into the rest of the curriculum. A showcase event in May is the Spring Quw'utsun Smuneem Dancing Event; it is an event the children and parents enjoy.

Quw'utsun Smuneem is a community school. Parents are more than willing to help with special events throughout the year. Parents are ever present for Parent/Teacher Conferences.

All subjects meet Ministry of Education standard and all of our teachers are members of the BC College of Teachers.

Kindergarten registration flyer

2022-2023 QSES Registration Form

Hours: 
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Statistics: 
115 children enrolled in 
Quw’utsun Smun'eem
(February 2018)

Kindergarten -31

Grade 1 - 17

Grade 2 - 24

Grade 3 - 23

Grade 4 - 20