The new facility was originally set to open in September, but was delayed due to pandemic-related workforce restrictions. The building, which cost $106.5 million, features a Grand Commons entranceway that can be reconfigured for different purposes, breakout spaces between classrooms to encourage collaboration, a dance studio, an enlarged and revamped theatre, locker areas with charging stations and up-to-date maker spaces. Many rooms include floor-to-ceiling whiteboard space, so students and teachers can literally write on the walls.
Students and faculty will begin transferring over to the new school beginning in January. An orientation week will be held with time for teachers to move equipment and personal items, as well as for redesigning lesson plans for the new space.
It can take time for a new school to feel like home, but activities like sporting events and banner printing can often help to develop school spirit.
BC Education Minister and NWSS alumna Jennifer Whiteside expressed her satisfaction at the new facility:
“I am absolutely thrilled about the imminent opening of the new school. I think that New Westminster students are really going to benefit from the state-of-the-art new high school.”
The new campus of New Westminster Secondary School will open its doors on the week of January 4.