Takhini Elementary School
Welcome to Takhini Elementary School!
Takhini Elementary acknowledges and celebrates that we operate our school on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
School Calendar
Takhini Elementary School
Our calendar is structured to reflect cultural ways of knowing and doing.
The school year starts in early August and we have multiple extended breaks throughout the year to to spend time with their families while engaged in cultural activities.
School Growth Plan
- 
      
      
      
        
  
      

Literacy
Our goal is to support learners in developing strong literacy skills while fostering an understanding and appreciation of First Nation culture and values. We aim for students to connect with stories, oral traditions, and written language that reflect their cultural heritage. By embedding local cultural content into reading and writing activities, utilizing culturally relevant texts, and engaging community members as storytellers and resources, we will nurture both literacy proficiency and cultural identity. Students will become confident readers and writers who honor and incorporate First Nation perspectives every day.
 - 
      
      
      
        
  
      

Numeracy
Our aim is to enhance learners' numeracy skills in ways that are meaningful within their cultural context. We seek to incorporate land-based activities, local examples, and culturally relevant scenarios into mathematics instruction. This approach will help students see the relevance of numeracy in their daily lives and in caring for their land and community. Ensuring that First Nation values such as respect, community, and harmony are reflected in problem-solving and mathematical activities will foster a sense of engagement and identity for our Learners.
 - 
      
      
      
        
  
      

Whole Child
Our goal is to foster the holistic development of each student by nurturing their physical, emotional, social, and cultural well-being. We aim to create a school environment where First Nation culture and values are seamlessly integrated into daily routines, lessons, and interactions. This will be achieved through culturally responsive pedagogy, incorporating local stories, traditions, and teachings into the curriculum, pd, utilizing culturally relevant resources, and designing learning spaces that reflect and celebrate the First Nation heritage.
 - 
      
      
      
        
  
      

Land & Language
We aim to strengthen students' connection to their land and cultural identity by integrating local land-based knowledge and language into the curriculum. This approach will support students in understanding their heritage, fostering respect for the land, and developing valuable skills.
 
A word from our Principal
We are excited to welcome Paul McFadyen as the new Principal of Takhini Elementary School
With over a decade of educational leadership in the Yukon and a heart rooted in community and land-based learning, Paul brings a fresh yet steadfast approach to education. His journey through educational reform—from Ross River to Del Van Gorder to Superintendent of Schools—highlights his dedication to nurturing culturally responsive environments that honour Indigenous traditions and knowledge, and that keep students at the centre of learning.
Paul believes in assessment practices that connect students to their interests, land, and community, fostering an assessment culture that is collaborative, meaningful, and responsive to individual needs. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, community partnership, and helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—especially on the land, where learning is deeply intertwined with culture and community.
Additionally, Paul enjoys building relationships—whether with Elders, parents, community members, or staff—working together to ensure every child’s voice is heard and valued. His vision for Takhini Elementary School is one where learning extends beyond walls, embracing land-based experiences and community involvement to shape well-rounded, confident learners.
We are excited to welcome Paul as he leads with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive school community!
Welcome, Paul!