Blessings from Musqueam First Nation elders and a traditional blanket ceremony commenced the official opening of Norma Rose Point school today.

MLA Ralph Sultan on behalf of Education Minister Peter Fassbender, Vancouver board of education chairperson Patti Bacchus, the family of educator Norma Rose Point and students gathered to celebrate the special occasion.

The $29-million Norma Rose Point school was constructed on the former University Hill Secondary site. As a combined elementary and middle school, the facility can accommodate up to 860 kindergarten to grade 8 students.

The new school includes a wide range of 21st-century learning tools. For example, the school has flexible common rooms and a quiet learning studio for students to work in groups or individually. There is a digital media lab, wireless internet access and classrooms are designed to support the use of integrated technologies. Other interesting features include outdoor classrooms and exercise stations, an arts studio space, a greenhouse and a terrace for lessons on environmental sustainability.

This new facility will also serve local residents through the on-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). The school has two gymnasiums that will be available for community use: a spacious main gym renovated from the previous University Hill Secondary, and a new gym which can be used for multi-purpose performances, with theatrical lighting, a large projection screen and blackout blinds. Additional spaces will be used for pre-school and out-of-school care. The NLC will also provide meeting rooms for community use.

Norma Rose Point school is named after Musqueam First Nation elder Norma Rose Point, in honour of her lifelong contribution to First Nations education. She was awarded the Diamond Jubilee medal posthumously for her contributions.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“One of our key goals in transforming the B.C. K-12 education system is to give students greater flexibility in how and where they learn. Norma Rose Point school was designed with spaces for students to work independently or collaboratively, as well as features to help teachers integrate technologies in classrooms.

“Schools are an essential part of communities. This beautiful new school, with its modern features and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre for local residents, will grow to become an essential part of our students’ and their families’ lives too.”

Patti Bacchus, chair of Vancouver board of education -

“I am very excited to be joining the Musqueam and school communities today to celebrate the formal opening of Norma Rose Point school.

“With its state-of-the-art learning commons, digital media lab, food studio and clustered classrooms, this school typifies the dynamic new direction the Vancouver school board is taking towards 21st century learning. I know that Norma Rose Point school will offer an excellent and supportive learning environment for all its students.”

Quick Facts:

• Norma Rose Point school is built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and B.C. wood was used in the construction and interior design of the school.
• Since 2001, 44 capital and seismic projects worth more than $274 million have been completed in the Vancouver school district. In addition, the Province invested more than $6.9 million for additional space for Full Day Kindergarten.

Learn More:

BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contacts:

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