A new era for Sunnyside Elementary was celebrated today with the official opening of a $14.9-million replacement school which will serve families in the Grandview Heights area for generations to come.

The new Sunnyside, opened in September, replaces the original elementary school that had been a community landmark since 1949. The replacement school is located in a lovely green setting seven blocks from the old school, away from the heavy traffic on King George Boulevard.

There are 19 classrooms, a library, multi-purpose rooms and gym that make up the heart of the school. High ceilings, extensive use of exposed timber framing, laminated timber columns and beams supported by a concrete and steel sub-structure create a building that is both durable and beautiful. As well, the school features an additional 180 spaces to bring capacity up to 450 K-7 students.

The new school was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. It features extensive use of natural daylight, natural ventilation, energy-efficient heating, recycling stations, use of local materials and materials with recycled content. Sustainable site design principles include reduction of storm water runoff, use of native and drought-resistant plant materials and use of landscaping to provide shade.

The school also includes added space for a Neighbourhood Learning Centre to deliver a variety of community-based services.

A total of ten new schools have been opened in the district since 2001.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"The new Sunnyside Elementary is a state-of-the-art facility that will support families in the rapidly growing Grandview Heights community for years to come and along with Goldstone Park and Katzie Elementary schools will help alleviate projected enrolment growth."

Stephanie Cadieux, Surrey-Cloverdale MLA -

"Schools are where we achieve, compete and excel in the early stages of life. Sunnyside Elementary is a beautiful, new school that utilizes daylight to provide a natural environment for many of our community's youngest learners."

Shawn Wilson, Surrey school board chair -

"With some of Surrey's neighbourhoods growing at such a fast rate, everyone has had to work together to bring these schools on-stream as quickly as possible and I want to thank all those who have helped to bring the new Sunnyside Elementary to life."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $276 million for 49 capital and seismic projects and 12 site acquisitions in the Surrey school district.

• During this time, government has committed a total of more than $4.1 billion on school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Sunnyside Elementary: www.surreyschools.ca/schools/sunnyside/

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contact:

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