About Keating Elementary

Keating Elementary is a large dual track school located in a well established community in Central Saanich. It's 450 students come from varied socio-economic backgrounds with a concentration of what could be called middle income families. The catchments area covers a diverse and broad area with children coming from traditional single family homes, and more rural, farm like properties. The area continues to experience modest growth as families are attracted to the value of the community.

Keating Elementary has been the center of this community for more than 75 years. The original school built on this site was a typical one-room schoolhouse. The archives show that the school enjoyed an active and involved parent group. Newspaper clippings show a high level of interest in the operation and governance of the school. Many of the families that attend our school were the pioneers of this area.

Since its inception the school has undergone a number of renovations and additions to accommodate sustained increases in enrolment. As a result, the school's architecture represents a number of styles that work reasonably well together. There are a few areas in the school that can make visitors feel somewhat disoriented, but all things considered the physical plant serves the current population well, and is reasonably maintained. The most recent building program was completed in 1995 when the current office and administration space and 5 classrooms were added.

Early French Immersion was introduced to Keating and the district in September 1980. From its inception the program has had a positive and dynamic effect upon the school and the communities. It currently represents approximately 330 of the 450 children at Keating.

Keating Elementary is a vital part of this community. The school is highly regarded by its parents who continue to be supportive and involved in a variety of ways. The staff at the school have strong, positive connections with the community which is appreciated as well.

At École Keating Elementary School, we believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, caring and orderly environment. Our expectations are that students will maintain an attitude that is cooperative, courteous and respectful. Keating's Social Responsibility Contract encourages our students to care about and contribute to our learning community.  The contract is designed to provide guidelines for appropriate student behaviour, while students are at school or at any school-sponsored function.

Consequences will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, respecting individual rights, responsibilities, age and maturity; and be restorative rather than punitive in nature. When students do not demonstrate age-appropriate social responsibility, these times are viewed as learning opportunities.

Respect Yourself (Take care of yourself and your learning)

Some examples include:

• I do my best
• I make good choices
• I am honest and tell the truth
• I am on time and ready to work
• I do my homework and use my agenda
• I keep myself safe by following school rules

Respect Others ( Take care of others and be helpful to others)

Some examples include:

• I am polite and wait my turn
• I am kind with my words and actions
• I work out my problems with others so we get along
• I treat others the way I want to be treated

Respect This Place (Take care of your school and community)

Some examples include:

• I clean up after myself
• I take care of the school
• I make the environment better by reducing, reusing and recycling

Safe & Caring School Environments:

Are Free From Acts Of

• bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment and marginalization
• threat and intimidation
• violence in any form
• abuse in any form
• discrimination in any form including race, color, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, ancestry or national origin
• retribution against a person who has reported incidents

Or Misuse Of

• Cyberspace/Cell Phones/Electronic Devices/Computers - Students are encouraged to keep all personal electronic devices at home, with the exception of devices being used for educational purposes, as directed by the teacher. Students are to be aware that they may be subject to discipline (or, if applicable, confiscation of personal property) for misuse of personal or school technology, if it negatively impacts on the school environment.
• Toys - Students are encouraged to keep toys from home at home. Toys from home often get broken, lost, traded, stolen and are often a source of conflict between children. Keating School classrooms have many toys, crafts/art supplies, board games, outside play equipment and activities to keep children happy and engaged both in and outside of the classroom.