The New Year brought a celebration to the Prince George school district with the opening of Giscome Elementary school and the adjoining East Line activity centre.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond met with the school’s 26 kindergarten to Grade 7 students today and toured the classrooms to highlight the official opening.

The $1.5-million project is part of the government’s $16.9-million program announced in 2012 to renew aging infrastructure in rural B.C. In addition to Prince George, the government upgraded schools in the Nicola-Similkameen, Nechako Lakes and Nisga’a school districts. The two-classroom modular school allows students to learn locally instead of traveling to Prince George.

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George contributed $556,000 for the adjoining East Line activity centre, of which $250,000 was funded by a grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust. The centre offers a variety of student sports and recreational and multi-purpose space for community use.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“Giscome Elementary highlights our commitment to provide safe and modern learning facilities for every community, no matter their location or size. British Columbia is a unique province and our schools reflect the diverse environments.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Prince George-Valemount MLA -

“I am very proud to help officially open the new Giscome Elementary school. I can say with certainty that it would not have been possible without the incredible leadership and hard work of parents, the school board, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and their partner Northern Development Initiatives Trust. By working together, we were able to ensure that students could stay in their community for school and expanded recreational opportunities in the adjoining community centre.”

Tony Cable, chair, Prince George board of education -

“It is a testament to the hard work and determination of the families in the area, the provincial government, the school district and the regional district to have this facility operating. The partnership with the regional district to build an activity centre adds a significant dimension to this new modular school.”

Art Kaehn, chair, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George -

“The East Line Activity Centre will provide a place for community learning and celebration and will be a benefit to all residents in the area. We congratulate the communities along the East Line for working together to help make this new centre a reality.”

Janine North, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust -

“This project is an investment in the sustainability of our rural communities. The East Line activity centre will be a hub for sports, recreation and community gatherings that will support families in Giscome, Willow River, Longworth, Upper Fraser, Penny and Sinclair Mills. This building will ensure that families in these historic communities will have access to education and a vibrant community centre for years to come.”

Quick Facts:

• There are more than 13,000 elementary, secondary and graduated adult students in the Prince George school district.
• Giscome Elementary is located approximately 40 kilometres from Prince George.
• Currently, 26 students are enrolled in kindergarten to Grade 7 in Giscome Elementary.
• Since 2001, the Government of B.C. has invested approximately $54 million in the Prince George school district. This includes an addition to Southridge Elementary, an addition to College Heights Secondary, a replacement school for Valemount Secondary, and a replacement school for Duchess Park Secondary.
• Since 2001, government has committed more than $4.2 billion on school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C. To date, 108 new and replacement schools, 152 additions, 29 renovations and 27 site acquisitions have been completed.

Learn More:

Prince George school district: http://www.sd57.bc.ca/

Giscome Elementary: http://www.gisc.sd57.bc.ca/

BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contacts:

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