Eliza Van Bibber School
Welcome to Eliza Van Bibber School
Eliza Van Bibber School is located on the Traditional Territory of the Selkirk First Nation.
We take the honour and responsibility to learn the history and understand the cultural values of this nation, and it’s Northern Tutchone peoples who have lived in this region for time immemorial. We thank Selkirk First Nation for all they have done, and continue to do, for this place we call home.
At Eliza Van Bibber School, we believe in connection to culture and community.
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Literacy
Eliza Van Bibber is working to improve Literacy by grounding instruction and professional development in assessment data. The instructional approach follows the UFLI program. Encouragement and engagement in literacy will be supported through book nights, author talks, reading challenges, and a book project with Northern Tutchone.
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Numeracy
Numeracy growth at Eliza Van Bibber is built on collaborative learning, including multi-age peer mentorship, grade-specific professional development, and utilizing assessment data to drive instruction.
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Whole child
Eliza Van Bibber is focusing on social emotional learning through safe spaces and student wellness. Work to strengthen sense of belonging and identity includes Elder recognition as well as family and community engagement.
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Land & language
The vision for land and language integration at Eliza Van Bibber includes language revitalization efforts, Forest Fridays and seasonal camps and monthly Elder visits.
School Calendar
Eliza Van Bibber 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.
We are excited to welcome Sandy Rodrigues as the new Principal of Eliza Van Bibber School
Sandy Rodrigues is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience in both urban and rural settings, across English and French Immersion streams. She has served as an educational leader and K–12 teacher, and most recently worked with the Seine River School Division in Manitoba as the Indigenous Education Consultant.
A lifelong learner, Sandy holds a Master of Education degree, Special Education and Education Administration focus from Brandon University, a Post-Baccalaureate in Education, Numeracy Enhancement focus from the University of Winnipeg, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. She also holds Level I and II Manitoba Administrative Certificates, and a Manitoba Special Education Certificate.
Sandy is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. Her leadership style emphasizes community and connection, and she is known for building strong, respectful relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members. She is particularly passionate about mental health advocacy for educators and youth. Her goal is to empower and activate the diversity within her educational communities and celebrate their culture, language, and traditions. She is also passionate about learning and advocating for immersion in Indigenous culture and walking a path of reconciliation.
Outside of her professional life, Sandy is a proud mother to her talented 18-year-old son and a loving partner to Paul Falco. She enjoys traveling, music, art, theatre, spending time with family’s St. Bernard, Bruin, and creating delicious meals to share with family and friends.
Sandy and Paul are excited to join and contribute to the Pelly Crossing community.
Welcome, Sandy!
