The new state-of-the-art $20.7-million Fraser River Middle school opened its doors to hundreds of excited students on the first day of school. 

The new three-level middle school is nearly 5,575 square metres (60,000 square feet) with space for 500 students in grades 6 to 8. This school was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard and features modern learning spaces to support British Columbia’s new curriculum, including:

• 20 classrooms;
• a drama and music room;
• a gymnasium that can be divided into two sections;
• an open area for students to gather, collaborate and demonstrate their learning;
• a board office; and
• a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC).

The school's NLC includes a child-care and multi-purpose space, offices and a commercial kitchen. The space will be used for a wide range of community programs and services.

The Province contributed $20.2 million toward the project and the school district contributed $485,000. Government is able to make capital investments, such as the new Fraser River Middle school, thanks to the Province’s fiscal discipline and strong economy.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“This beautiful new middle school is a huge win for the community of New Westminster. The new Neighbourhood Learning Centre will serve as a great community space, and the school will support student learning and B.C.’s new curriculum for many years to come.”

Jonina Campbell, board chair, New Westminster school district –

“Fraser River Middle school will undoubtedly become one of New Westminster's jewels. Not only is the school brilliantly designed to allow for personalized learning and collaboration, it is bright, spacious and has the best view of the Fraser River.”

Quick facts:

• Extensive public consultation was used to determine that the new middle school would be constructed on the site of the old John Robson Elementary school.
• Fraser River Middle school is the second of three new schools being built in New Westminster.
• The school will serve the west side of the city, including students moving on from Connaught Heights, Lord Tweedsmuir, Lord Kelvin and Qayqayt elementary schools.
• Including today’s announcement, government has invested over $155 million on capital projects in New Westminster since 2011.

Learn more:

B.C.'s new curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/