With the Cascade Mountains as a backdrop, Chilliwack MLA John Martin and Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness joined students, teachers as well as school district staff for the official opening of the new $56-million Chilliwack Secondary school.

Funded as part of the Provincial Seismic Mitigation Program, the new Chilliwack Secondary school can accommodate up to 1,200 students from grades 10-12. It has been built to current seismic safety standards, as well as LEED Gold(r) building standards with B.C. wood utilized throughout its construction.

During their visit, representatives spoke with students and staff, and toured many unique features at the school, including a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen for the culinary arts program, the grand hall, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and an amazing library.

Other skills and trades supporting features of the school include a metalwork shop that includes 12 custom-designed welding booths and a robotics lab. A 22-station professionally equipped hairdressing salon is being designed. The goal is to offer a fully accredited Red Seal Program for hairstylists starting September 2015.

Enhanced fine arts instructional spaces will promote both performing and visual arts within the school. Numerous student gathering spaces will support flexible learning environments and cater to students' unique learning styles.

The new Chilliwack Secondary school also features a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) as well as a new turf field and an athletic centre with two gymnasiums. An important part of the new facility is the on-site Fraser Valley Distance Education school, which provides online and paper-based courses to more than 3,400 students throughout the province.

The NLC houses many community groups, including the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Chilliwack Community Services, the United Way, the YMCA/YWCA, Xyolhemeylh Child & Family Services, and Elder College.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"The opening of Chilliwack Secondary school is something students, parents and teachers, as well as the community can celebrate. Our vision is to create schools that not only focus on fundamental skills, but also give students the opportunity to learn and pursue their dream careers."

"Chilliwack Secondary is a shining example of our vision, with spaces for aspiring trade professionals, young athletes and various community services."

John Martin, Chilliwack MLA -

"Today, we celebrate the replacement of what has been an outstanding academic institution in the Chilliwack community for more than 60 years. The new school will provide CSS students with more opportunities to discover their true talents and realize their full potential in life."

Laurie Throness, Chilliwack-Hope MLA -

"Chilliwack Senior has been a fixture in this community for generations. This magnificent rebuild also marks a renewed commitment to this community for future generations of students."

Silvia Dyck, Chilliwack board of education vice-chair -

"The legacy of Chilliwack Secondary school connects our community. As students explore their new learning space this year, I'm confident they will add exciting new chapters to the narrative of this historic high school in its new home."

Quick Facts:

• In 1903, Chilliwack Secondary was only a small two-room school. By 1950, a full structure had been completed, and served as one of Chilliwack's high schools until June 2013. Construction began for the new building in January 2012 on the same site.
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $92.4 million in the Chilliwack school district to complete nine capital and seismic projects including the fire loss replacement of Greendale Elementary and the new G.W. Graham Middle-Secondary school.
• Since 2001, the government has spent more than $2.5 billion to complete 99 new and replacement schools, 151 additions, 27 renovations and 26 site acquisitions throughout B.C.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

BC Skills and Training Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/bc-skills-and-training-plan/

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

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