Kindergarten to Grade 5

Josette Dandurand Elementary opened September of 2025 with a population of around 440 students in grades K to 5. Ours is a vibrant and diverse community, with 37-and-climbing different languages spoken in homes. 

Our school is named for Josette Dandurand, a treasured elder of the Kwantlen First Nation. Josette Dandurand’s legacy is one of strength, healing, caring, forgiveness and friendship. She built relationships so well that didn’t realize they were being taught. She sought each child’s gift and nurtured it. She modelled forgiveness, humility and grace, and was among the first to show the strength to tell what happened in Residential Schools.

Josette Dandurand, whose ancestral name was “Tsakwiah” which means “she who always remembers” was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Josette was the youngest of six siblings of George and Mabel Fillardeau. She lived most of her early and latter years on Kwantlen First Nation reserve. Josette Dandurand passed away in November 2023.

JDE begins its second school year in September 2026, with a population of 550 students and 24 divisions. The East Latimer community continues to grow, as buildings begin are constructed yearly. JDE is projected to grow at a rate of 10% per year.