This week, the halls of Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School (KGMS) in North Vancouver felt a little extra special. We welcomed back former student Caden Elke, who attended KGMS from Kindergarten to Grade 7 before transitioning to Seycove Secondary School. Now in high school, Caden contacted us on his own and asked to visit—he wanted to reconnect with his teachers, see how the school has changed, and revisit the supportive environment that helped shape his early learning years.
From the moment he walked through the doors, Caden’s excitement was unmistakable. His calm, confident demeanour and huge smile said everything: he felt like he was home.
Seeing How KGMS Has Grown
He recognized teachers and staff from across his KGMS journey, including Ms. Carlton, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Wong, and receptionists Patty and Shellie. Each familiar face sparked a story about his time as a student, how he learned, how he grew, and the friendships that shaped his experience.
When asked what memory stays with him most, he answered instantly:
“Playing grounders on the playground with my friends.”
A simple, joyful reminder of how important connection and belonging are in childhood.
How KGMS Supported His Learning Style
Caden openly shared how much KGMS’s specialized teaching approaches helped him as a neurodiverse learner. If he had to describe the school in three words, he chose:
Unique. Kind. Positive.
He recalled teachers who explained concepts in ways that made sense to him, who created space for him to understand at his own pace, and who always made him feel supported. He still laughs about his daily 15-minute typing practice, and he shared that body breaks, a key regulation tool at KGMS, are something he still uses today.
But one reflection stood out above the rest:
“I learned to be patient and think outside the box. KGMS taught me to take things at my own pace and advocate for myself.”
These are the skills that helped him transition successfully to high school, a learning environment he describes as “crazy,” but one he feels better prepared for because of his foundation at KGMS.
Building Belonging, Confidence, and Lifelong Empathy
Before attending KGMS, Caden experienced challenges regulating in a traditional school setting. He shared that KGMS gave him a learning environment where he felt understood, supported, and able to belong.
“I learned how to interact with students who were like me and not like me. It helped me build empathy.”
He is especially proud of maintaining friendships with classmates like Piper and Hayden, relationships that formed during critical years of social and emotional development.
Advice for Younger Students and Prospective KGMS Families
If Caden could speak to his younger KGMS self, his message would be clear:
“Your teachers know what’s best for you. They’re specially trained. Take their advice, respect them, and always ask for help.”
He emphasized his gratitude to the teachers and tutors who understood his learning needs and supported him every step of the way.
To parents considering KGMS, he offers heartfelt reassurance:
“Trust the process. It took me a bit to adjust, but KGMS was the perfect school for me.”
A Meaningful Visit and a Full-Circle Moment
Caden’s visit was more than a trip down memory lane; it was a powerful reminder of why KGMS’s individualized, strengths-based programs for neurodiverse learners matter. Seeing him walk confidently through the school, reconnect with former teachers, and reflect on the impact KGMS had on his life felt like a full-circle moment for our entire community.
We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful, grounded, and resilient young person he has become, and we cannot wait to welcome him back again.
Thank you, Caden, for visiting your KGMS family. Once a KGMS student, always a part of our community.
