It was an historic first day of school for students at École Qayqayt Elementary and not just because it marked the end of a long-awaited return to the classroom due to labour unrest.
The school, built on the former Saint Mary’s Hospital site, opened its doors this week, marking the beginning of the first of three new schools planned for New Westminster.
Soggy weather couldn’t dampen the excitement of students and staff at the school, even as construction crews were still putting finishing touches, including siding in one cordoned-off portion, on the new building.
“It’s a bit hectic,” Qayqayt parent advisory council member Tim Mercier said while students lined up on a field beside the school, “and that it’s still under construction doesn’t help.
“There are still things to finish up, and it would have been great if everything was completed before the students returned to school, (but) it is going to be an amazing facility when completed,” the father of three told The Record. “I am very excited with the future of the school and am proud to have my girls attend Qayqayt elementary.”
The interior of the school is mostly finished, though landscaping and playgrounds are yet to be completed. Construction fencing surrounds parts of the exterior, though there is an all-weather field and concrete area where kids can play until the remainder of the outside is built.
The spacious school has wide hallways, tons of light, sweeping south-facing views and communal learning spaces located just outside of classrooms.
(NWTU president Grant Osborne stands in the communal learning space)
The open areas enable students from multiple classes to learn in groups, superintendent John Gaiptman said during a tour of the new school.
“They’re not attached to the seats anymore, those days are gone,” he explained. “It’s really what 21st century learning is about.”
The classrooms are spacious, which Gaiptman said is unusual with new builds.
(Superintendent John Gaiptman reads to Qayqayt students)
There will be at least four kindergarten classes at Qayqayt and approximately 400 students in grades Kindergarten to Grade 7.
A new middle school for students living on the west side of the city is being built on the former John Robson site and will house students in grades 6 to 8 when it opens next fall.
The teachers’ strike meant staff only had last Friday – and over the weekend, if they chose – to set up their classes. Despite the tight turnaround, most of the classes, including teacher Mimi Camillo’s kindergarten room, were thoughtfully arranged. Camillo taught in the Robson building for 17 years and said it took her many hours to get the classroom ready at her new school.
About 10 bright-faced Grade 1 students sat on a carpet on the floor as Camillo welcomed them back to school and a new building.
One of the happiest faces belonged to principal Karen Catherwood, who was beaming on the first day of school.
(Principal Karen Catherwood)
She acknowledged there was a “little sadness" to leave the old school behind, but she was excited for their new space.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” she said, smiling.
