The new St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay Elementary School (SJAM) in north-end Halifax will open to students on Wednesday, February 18.
School staff and members of a steering committee had significant input into the design of the new St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay Elementary School, opening to students February 18. (Province of Nova Scotia)
The bright, modern learning space, on the site of the previous SJAM building on Russell Street, has capacity for 515 pre-primary to Grade 6 students. Over the next two weeks, staff from the school and Halifax Regional Centre for Education will test and train on the new school's systems and move into the new building.
"SJAM is a cornerstone of the north-end community. Our commitment to families, students and school staff has always been to get them into a 100 per cent complete, safe and welcoming school, and we are now ready to do that," said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley. "When the bell rings on Day 1, everyone will walk into an exceptional learning space that will support young Nova Scotians for generations to come."
SJAM students, who have been attending École Beaufort on Walnut Street, will not have school on Friday, February 13, and Tuesday, February 17 (February 16 is the Heritage Day holiday), to allow school staff to pack up current classrooms, set up new classrooms and familiarize themselves with the new school.
Major construction of the school was completed on February 2, and the contractor officially handed the new building over to the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. SJAM staff and a school steering committee had significant input into design - advising on gym, cafeteria and library layouts and furnishing, as well as on specialized pre-primary and learning centre areas. The school also has a dedicated area for a 58-space child-care centre. The centre, which will be operated by a third-party, will open in the coming months.
Members of the school advisory council, steering committee and media will have the opportunity to tour the school prior to opening.
Quotes:
"We are deeply grateful to SJAM families and community for their patience and support throughout the building process. The opening of this new school is a celebration of your perseverance and our shared commitment to creating a safe and modern learning environment."
Kavita Khanna, Director of Operations Services, Halifax Regional Centre for Education
"The entire SJAM community has been eagerly awaiting this moment. We're so excited to finally welcome students and staff to our beautiful new school. This isn't just a building - it's a hub of learning and connection for our community."
Cheyanne Gorman-Tolliver, Principal, St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay Elementary School
Quick Facts:
- Nova Scotia's multi-year school capital plan, with more than $1 billion in work, includes building new schools and investing in current schools
- 19 new or replacement schools are currently advancing through the school capital process
Additional Resources:
- Nova Scotia School Capital Plan: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/capitalplan
