Sangster Elementary school is getting a $2.1-million seismic upgrade. Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong and school board chair Wendy Hobbs were joined by students and school staff for an official signing event in the school’s library today.

The upgrade project is part of the Province’s continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. Sangster Elementary was built in several phases between 1957 and 1973. The school has a capacity for 215 kindergarten-to-Grade 5 students.

Four classrooms, several walls and a portion of the roof will be upgraded. During construction, students will be temporarily relocated to other areas of the school. Construction contracts will be tendered this summer with substantial completion expected by October 2013.

Sangster Elementary school was officially opened on Oct. 17, 1958. The school was named for the area which was known for half a century as “Sangster’s Plains”, after Captain James Sangster whose name first appeared in the records of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1832.

The school is also home to B.C.’s first Nature Kindergarten program. Inspired by European forest schools, students spend every morning exploring the nearby trails, lagoon and beaches. The two-year pilot program began in September 2012 with the goal of reconnecting children with nature.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

“As a father and a teacher, I can say there is nothing more important than having a safe place for students to learn. This upgrade to Sangster Elementary is part of the most comprehensive school seismic upgrading program ever undertaken in British Columbia and will keep students safe for generations to come.”

Ida Chong, MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head -

“Earthquakes are occurrences we must be prepared for and seismic upgrade projects like Sangster’s are positive, proactive steps to do just that. It will ensure that students and staff can learn, work and play in safe facilities.”

Wendy Hobbs, chair, Sooke board of education -

“In our school district the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, so it’s a relief to see that this needed upgrade to Sangster school is being dealt with so quickly.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $52 million in the Sooke school district to complete six capital projects, including $5.5 million to build Crystalview Elementary and more than $8 million to replace Happy Valley Elementary after it was destroyed by fire.

• As well, the Province invested more than $12.6 million for additional space for full-day kindergarten.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has spent more than $2.4 billion to complete 96 new and replacement schools, 131 seismic projects, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 25 site acquisitions throughout B.C.

Learn More:

BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca/

Sangster Elementary: http://www.sd62.bc.ca/sangster/Home.aspx

Nature Kindergarten: http://naturekindergarten.sd62.bc.ca/

Media Contact:

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