EMCS Principals Message
Welcome to Edward Milne Community School (EMCS) located in Sooke on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. As a community school, EMCS is a hub for the community. Our entire staff including teachers, education assistants, clerical, custodial and leadership teams, collectively strive to support a culture of belonging and a sense of place in an inclusive learning environment while supporting student’s social emotional development, health and wellness.
As EMCS is situated in a rural, west coast environment close to forests, Sooke Basin and exposed beaches of the Pacific Ocean, there is a strong connection to the natural environment. With an open design, lots of natural light and our famous grey whale skeleton in the Commons, EMCS truly has a welcoming feel.
We endeavor to continue strengthen our connections with our local First Nations; T’Sou-ke Nation, Pacheedaht Nation, and Scia’new Nation and the connection with these communities, and each of the small communities in between, gives EMCS a unique relation to the people and the land. The school builds on that connection to enhance classroom learning through programming including our Eco Academy, Environmental Studies and Marine Biology programs as well as focusing on food security with a large garden and outdoor learning facility.
EMCS is fortunate to have a beautiful 350-seat theatre that hosts our Musical Theatre and band programs as well as community theatre groups and performances. With an exceptional culinary arts program and full-service cafeteria, students and staff have access to a strong food security network. Soccer, Softball and Hockey academies are part of our athletics department that hosts teams in many sports with longstanding basketball and volleyball programs.
Academics are a strong focus at EMCS and many of our students leave for post-secondary with substantial financial support from community bursary and scholarship programs.
As principal, I am proud to serve the students, families and staff of EMCS and I feel very fortunate to live in this amazing community.
Mike Bobbitt