Students, teachers and staff at Wellington Secondary – home to one of the premier jazz academies in Western Canada – are relishing in their new state-of-the-art school following a $24.5-million seismic mitigation project to upgrade the facility.

MLA for Parksville-Qualicum Michelle Stilwell visited the school today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, to tour the newly renovated and upgraded school. Stilwell was joined by school district officials, teachers, students and staff to celebrate the completed project.

The school now boasts an innovative and modern design, making use of flexible spaces and natural light, all of which support B.C.’s new curriculum.  The project seismically upgraded five of the school’s six blocks. One block was demolished and completely replaced. This new block houses classrooms, collaborative work spaces, two rooms with kitchen workstations, an art room and a special education classroom and support spaces.

The area at the centre of the school was rebuilt to feature a modern library, internet café, tech-labs and a large presentation space. The school also hosts a new courtyard, entranceway and a super lab. The lab is connected to separate regular classrooms for course work and lectures. This way, multiple science classes can collaborate in the lab space at once.

The school also features an earthquake early-warning system in partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC). There are sensors in the building that detect motion and set off the internal alarm system at UBC, which notifies the school to follow earthquake procedures.

The seismic project was completed on schedule in May 2016 and on budget. The Province contributed $21.5 million toward the seismic upgrade project and the school district contributed $3 million.

Government is able to make school investments like Wellington Secondary school seismic mitigation project, thanks to the Province’s fiscal discipline and strong economy.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“It is fantastic. Not only is Wellington school safer, the students are also enjoying the new upgrades. Thanks to this $24.5-million seismic mitigation project, Wellington Secondary will provide a safe, modern and renovated learning environment for students, teachers and staff for many years ahead.”

Steve Rae, board chair, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools school district –

“The safety of our students is one of the district’s top priorities. Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools applaud the province’s plan to address the structural concerns associated with many schools in the province. The board is thankful Wellington Secondary benefitted from the Ministry of Education’s efforts to further keep our students safe.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government has invested almost $37 million toward school capital, seismic and school enhancement program projects in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district.
• Wellington Secondary was founded in 1967 as a junior high school, grades 8 through 10. Since its initial construction in 1966 and 1967, the building had additions built in 1973, 1979 and 2001. Five elementary schools feed into Wellington Secondary.
• Wellington Secondary features strong academic, athletic and music departments and is home to one of the best jazz academies in Western Canada.
• Last school year, two students from Wellington placed first out of 1,300 participants at the Monterey Jazz Festival. 
• Each year, students from the academy compete in local and international music competitions, including the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in Idaho, the Canadian National Music Competition and the Surrey Music Festival. 
• Wellington Secondary consists of numerous award-winning jazz bands and concert bands, under the direction of acclaimed music teacher Carmella Luvisotto.

Learn More:

Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools school district: http://www.sd68.bc.ca/

Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning/seismic-mitigation-program

B.C.’s New Curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/