Celebrating School Enhancements
September 11, 2024
Fresh coats of paint, shiny gym floors and beautiful learning spaces ready to welcome students – sure signs that the new school year is here.
While the summer months, for many teachers and staff, are a time to relax and unwind, staff from the District’s Facilities and Maintenance department have been busy working to improve school spaces in time for students and staff to come through the doors.
“Our staff have been working tirelessly all summer, and we are grateful for their hard work in making our schools safer, brighter and better for all students and staff,” said Tristan Schaufler, director of Facilities, Transportation and Capital Projects.
“We know that positive learning spaces that help make students feel comfortable, proud and that they belong, can contribute to their success,” added Schaufler.
This summer’s projects included grounds improvements, such as a new outdoor volleyball court at Brookswood Secondary, a playground fence at James Kennedy Elementary, traffic-flow improvements at Peterson Road Elementary, and two flag poles installed in front of Vanguard Secondary.
As well, a pair of schools received new exterior paint – Blacklock Fine Arts and James Kennedy – while several schools had their gym floors repainted and re-varnished: Walnut Grove Secondary, H.D. Stafford Middle School, Langley Secondary, and Richard Bulpitt Elementary.
Some schools saw some classroom and office adjustments, too. At Langley Fundamental Elementary, as well as at James Hill Elementary, a wall at each school was relocated to create a new classroom, while at Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary, a new P.E. office and storage area was built. Over to Lynn Fripps Elementary, a daycare room was reconfigured to create two new classrooms, including a music room.
There were also electrical and lighting upgrades done at a number of schools, and there was continued work done throughout the District on a number of capital projects, as well.
“There was substantial progress made on the seismic upgrade and expansion project at Peter Ewart Middle School, as well as amazing work continuing at the future site of Northeast Latimer Elementary on the Willoughby slope,” Schaufler said.
Other summer work highlighted by Schaufler included the completion of the Richard Bulpitt Elementary modular expansion, and the start of a 12-classroom addition at Langley Secondary. To support the ongoing growth in enrolment, Facilities and Maintenance staff had moved and installed 20 portables throughout the District.
To see some of the improvements and changes across the District, see the slideshow below: