Tucked away in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Our Lady Of Fatima – École Notre Dame de Fatima offers its community a bi-lingual catholic elementary school that’s focused on excellence in both French Immersion and English education. The takeaway here is that students are thriving academically, socially, and emotionally as they become well prepared for the challenges of higher education and the globalized world beyond.

In the quietness of 315 Walker St., Coquitlam, British Columbia,  this dual stream school opens its doors to students in Kindergarten to Grade 7 who want to be part of either the English or French Immersion streams. Language and learning intertwine, creating a foundation for a lifetime of success for its students.

FATIMA FIVE VALUES
1. Cooperation
2. Kindness
3. Safety
4. Respect
5. Responsibility
These Values are embodied in every student and encouraged and rewarded each month.

Committed teaching staff play a crucial role in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment here. They employ innovative teaching methods and use programs like Educalme and Brainahead while encouraging a growth mindset, ensuring that each child’s unique learning style is catered to. Small class sizes facilitate personalized attention, allowing teachers to nurture individual strengths and address specific needs. Children remain with their classmates from kindergarten through Grade 7 resulting in strong bonds of friendship; at the same time interaction with older and younger children is fostered through Buddy programs. As a result, students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally preparing them for the challenges of higher education and the globalized world beyond.

For French Immersion students, the journey begins in Kindergarten or even Grade 1, where children are introduced to the French language through interactive and engaging activities. Skilled teachers use various learning methods to make language acquisition enjoyable, ensuring that even the youngest learners are captivated by the magic of bilingualism. As students progress through the grades, the curriculum becomes more enriched, laying the groundwork for future success in both languages. Students not only learn to express themselves fluently in French but also develop a strong command of English. This approach not only enhances their linguistic abilities but also provides a well-rounded education. The success of the French Immersion program was evident by its students winning Canada-wide Verbathon competitions across grades and even setting records.

Beyond the classroom, this school offers its English and French students a plethora of extracurricular activities that further enhance development of the whole person. A dedicated Music program provides interested children the opportunity to train their voices in Chamber and Performance choirs and perform at regular Church masses as well as concerts at school. A vibrant band entices students to discover the world of trumpets, clarinets, trombones, saxophones and drums and develops the art of listening and performing in harmony as a group. A state-of-the-art gym welcomes children into various sports and promotes fitness and healthy competitiveness. Tennis, Judo and Skiing programs encourage students to try out different sports. Senior Girls soccer team placed second, Grade 6 girls basketball team placed second, Grade 6 girls volleyball team placed third and many track and field event achievements were won across the last school year at the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese organized sporting events. The school library opens the childrens’ imagination to the wonder of books which resulted in its Readers are Leaders team placing third out of 20 competing schools in a team-based reading competition.

Students are introduced to responsible use of Technology through controlled use of school iPads and Chromebooks and are taught to share classwork, presentations and projects with their families through the Seesaw app.

The school encourages fundraising through events like Carnaval, Wine and Dine and Christmas Silent Auction which brings the community together and creates a village like environment to nurture its students.

DON’T MISS OUR OPEN HOUSE ON DECEMBER 6TH!

As you consider the best educational environment for your child, you are invited to join students and staff at the Open House on December 6, 2023 between 9:30 am -11:30 am.  Drop in and experience the warmth of the community, witness the passion of the educators, and envision the endless possibilities that await your child.

www.fatimaschool.ca