Begbie View Elementary school has been a hub of activities since students moved in this September and today at the official opening, the Revelstoke school board and community members saw first-hand why students and teachers are so proud of their $15.4-million school.

As one of the first schools to have a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC), Begbie View Elementary not only delivers education to children, but also provides various services to Revelstoke residents. To determine the services to be offered at the NLC, the school board held open-house consultations with community partners and the public.

As a result, at the NLC, parents and their toddlers can now participate in StrongStart BC's early learning activities. They can also receive immunization services from the Interior Health Authority. Aspiring gymnasts, such as members of the local Revelstoke Acrobats group, can practise in a unique gymnastics facility inside the NLC.

Neighbourhood Learning Centres are a way for a school to become part of the community and for the community to become part of a school. Since 2008, the ministry has announced 26 NLC projects with other projects in various stages of planning throughout B.C.

The new school replaces Mountain View Elementary and Mount Begbie Elementary, and can accommodate up to 40 kindergarten and 250 grades 1-7 students. Begbie View Elementary was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards and local, B.C. wood was used as much as possible.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"Begbie View Elementary is an excellent example of our vision for Neighbourhood Learning Centres-offering services to families while providing a modern, safe facility that supports student learning. Congratulations to the school board and our partners on this beautiful school."

Alan Chell, chair, Revelstoke board of education -

"The opening of Begbie View Elementary showcases what can happen when you combine education and community services under one roof. This outstanding facility will serve Revelstoke for generations to come. We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Education for choosing to invest in our community."

Anne Cooper, superintendent, Revelstoke school district (SD 19) -

"Due to the hard work of staff, our Neighbourhood Learning Center partners and the support of our newly amalgamated Parent Advisory Committee, we have already seen what an outstanding asset Begbie View Elementary is for children and their families. Begbie View is a school that supports and engages all ages, from infants to adults who are learning with their children. We are all very grateful for this facility and what it will provide for our community for years to come."

Quick Facts:

• Currently 29 kindergarten and 228 grades 1-7 students are studying at Begbie View Elementary.

• Revelstoke was the first school district to break ground on its Neighbourhood Learning Centre project in June 2010. Revelstoke Secondary school's NLC opened in October 2011 and Begbie View Elementary's NLC opened in September 2012.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has committed $55.3 million for capital projects in SD 19, including the consolidation and replacement of two elementary schools, as well as the replacement of the Revelstoke Secondary school.

• Since 2001, The B.C. government has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963