École Qayqayt Elementary was filled with excited families today as they celebrated two special occasions in their community — the official opening of the new $23.8-million school and their first Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC).

The New Westminster board of education, students and teachers hosted a community dinner for residents to unveil plans for the new NLC, before they commenced the school opening ceremony.

École Qayqayt Elementary can accommodate up to 550 students in kindergarten to grade five. This school is not only built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Gold standards, it also employs a heat recovery solar chimney and heat pump system. The system distributes solar energy to heat the school in the winter and cool it in the summer, which will help reduce the school’s operating costs.

The NLC at the school consists of a day care and multi-purpose space, offices and a commercial kitchen. The NLC offers a wide range of programs and services to the community, supported by a $25,000 contribution from the United Way of the Lower Mainland. For example, children can participate in physical and artistic activities, workshops and cooking clubs. Parents can take a parenting course, join their kids for games and learn to cook together.

Now that students from École John Robson Elementary have settled into École Qayqayt Elementary, the school district has begun construction of the new Fraser River Middle school on the site of École John Robson.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -  

“One of our key priorities right now is to revamp B.C.’s education system so it can better support student learning in a wide range of settings—at home, in school and the community.

École Qayqayt Elementary is an example of what we’re trying to achieve throughout our province. This facility is not only a place where students learn − but it is also a place where students and their families can develop important life skills through various community programs.”

Jonina Campbell, chair, New Westminster board of education -

“Not only does the new school benefit the students and staff of Qayqayt but, through its Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the community has gained a neighbourhood hub where residents can connect and participate in a variety of programs that meet the community's needs.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government has invested more than $12.7 million in capital projects in the New Westminster school district, including the new Queensborough Middle school and an addition to Lord Kelvin Elementary.
• In addition, government has committed $20.2 million for a new middle school, École Fraser River Middle, which is currently under construction and is expected to be complete by September 2016.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Media Contacts:

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