THINKING ABOUT RETURNING TO SCHOOL?
The Saanich Adult Education Centre (SAEC) is here to serve the Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Pauquachin communities as well as many others. We are part of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board and we offer numerous courses and programs to serve the local community including early literacy programs, adult upgrading, post secondary programming, onsite childcare services and a hot lunch program.
The Saanich Adult Education Centre (SAEC) is home to a variety of programs that serve to meet the needs of the individual learner – ages 15 and upward. The SAEC’s main focus is Adult Graduation (Adult Dogwood), in addition to the provision of programming that supports post secondary pre-requisite coursework, early literacy, onsite post secondary programs and SENĆOŦEN language classes.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enhance educational opportunities for Saanich Nation adults living on and off reserve and in neighbouring communities by offering courses and programs that are community based and driven and which link to the Saanich Nation’s longer range community development plans: to advance development, self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
The aim of the staff and administration is to make every attempt to offer programs and services that reflect Saanich Nation traditions and values, and that are based on respect and an understanding of each person’s uniqueness and potential, always taking into account that the learner is an adult with a vast array of experiences and equal expertise to offer. It is our desire to include the SENĆOŦEN language and Elders in our program delivery, whenever possible.
In short, our mission is to provide accessible, holistic programs preparing adult learners for higher education and vocational training, thus bridging them into other educational organizations and programs of their choice.
REASONS TO CONSIDER SAEC
We have a caring and supportive staff that want you to succeed! We want to help you in reaching your goals. We offer our students a variety of services beyond their education, which can include:
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enhance educational opportunities for Saanich Nation adults living on and off reserve and in neighbouring communities by offering courses and programs that are community based and driven and which link to the Saanich Nation’s longer range community development plans: to advance development, self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
The aim of the staff and administration is to make every attempt to offer programs and services that reflect Saanich Nation traditions and values, and that are based on respect and an understanding of each person’s uniqueness and potential, always taking into account that the learner is an adult with a vast array of experiences and equal expertise to offer. It is our desire to include the SENĆOŦEN language and Elders in our program delivery, whenever possible.
In short, our mission is to provide accessible, holistic programs preparing adult learners for higher education and vocational training, thus bridging them into other educational organizations and programs of their choice.
REASONS TO CONSIDER SAEC
We have a caring and supportive staff that want you to succeed! We want to help you in reaching your goals. We offer our students a variety of services beyond their education, which can include:
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
We believe:
- That SENĆOŦEN language must be maintained, perpetuated, and protected.
- That teachings about W̱SÁNEĆ culture must be honoured and woven as appropriate into learning experiences.
- That the people of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, working with the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, are leaders in the education of W̱SÁNEĆ learners, whether in the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation schools or elsewhere.
- That our children must be given every opportunity to attain the academic skills and the spiritual and cultural values that will allow them to live successfully as proud Indigenous people in their homelands and in a multi-cultural society.
- That the Non-Indigenous society should be given opportunities within reciprocal relationships to learn about the W̱SÁNEĆ history, culture and language.
- That students should be provided with a broad holistic education that includes academic, social-emotional, spiritual, physical, arts and cultural learning.
- That learners have both rights and responsibilities within the education program. These include:
- The right to access a SENĆOŦEN Immersion learning environment.
- The right to an equal, high quality, culturally relevant and responsive education.
- The responsibility to attend school and work to the best of their ability.
- That a learning environment must be provided for W̱SÁNEĆ W̱ILNEW̱ that is safe, inclusive, welcoming, responsive, and suitable for learning.
- That professional growth is a priority for all staff within a collaborative learning community.
- That supports for overall well-being, in the areas of mental health and social emotional strength, are priorities for all learners.
W̱SÁNEĆ VALUES
As part of the educational experience, W̱SÁNEĆ W̱ILNEW̱ will be supported holistically through exposure to the following W̱SÁNEĆ values:
REGISTER TODAY!
Fill out our Intent to Register Form online to begin the registration process today! If you have any questions, please call or email Diana Henry at (250) 652-2214 ext. 237 or diana@saec.ca.
POST SECONDARY SERVICES
The vision and mandate of the WSB is to assist all Saanich Adult students who are qualified to undertake academic training in order to achieve their educational goals. As a result, this would increase employability and graduates would contribute and use their skills and knowledge for the betterment of the Saanich People as a whole
The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Post Secondary Department’s primary duty is to assist Tsawout, Tsartlip and Tseycum students applying to post secondary institutions, as well as, fund/sponsor their education.
There are various post secondary programs at Camosun College, University of Victoria (UVIC), Vancouver Island University (VIU), University of British Columbia (UBC), etc. There are hundreds of programs available, so I encourage you to come in if you would like to learn more about a specific program, or learn about available programs in general. In order for a program to be eligible for funding it must require completion of English 12, as well as a minimum of 8 months in length. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Post Secondary please do not hesitate to contact me at (250) 652-2214 ext. 7144 or by email at denise@saec.ca
CONTACT
ON-SITE POST SECONDARY PROGRAMS
SAEC provides onsite post-secondary programs through partnership with Camosun College and University of Victoria.
This 8-month certificate program prepares students for entry to college and university-level studies or careers in the field of human services. Taught at the Saanich Adult Education Centre, students receive the best of both worlds, the Indigenous community and college. Designed specifically for Indigenous students, the Indigenous College Prep (ICP) program supports and prepares students for the admission requirements needed to enter other college programs, pursue university-level studies, or for a career in the field of human services.
The Indigenous Family Support (IFS) Program provides students of Indigenous Ancestry with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, awareness and values needed to work with Indigenous individuals and families in schools and communities. This 10-month certificate program provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of ancestry and developing self-awareness and ensures Indigenous family support practitioners are trained to support the development of healthy Indigenous individuals, families and communities. Program graduates are in demand and function interdependently as members of a support team under the direction and supervision of experienced professionals in health, education and/or human service settings.
The 20-month, 2-year W̱,SENĆOŦEN IST: Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization (UVIC) aims to support learners who want to build on their Indigenous language proficiency, better understand the contexts in which Indigenous languages can be successfully taught, and gain some basic language teaching skills. This program is delivered in community-based contexts for specific Indigenous language groups. The Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization then ladders into the Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization.
CONTACT US
Kendra Underwood
Director – SAEC
(250) 652-2214 ext. 238
kendra@saec.ca
Denise Sam
Post Secondary Coordinator
(250) 652-2214 ext. 7144
denise@saec.ca
Diana Henry
Administrative Assistant
(250) 652-2214 ext. 237
diana@saec.ca
