Unlike the last time he toured M.V. Beattie Elementary, there were no gum boots required for George Abbott’s latest visit.
The education minister, who is also Shuswap MLA, helped officially open a new chapter in education at the brand new school Friday.
“One of the first questions I was asked upon coming in was do I have any rubber boots with me?” Abbott recalled from his 2005 tour of the old facility, where he splashed through a water-soaked basement.
The deteriorating conditions at the school – parts of which are now more than 100 years old – prompted staff, school trustees and parents to highlight the need for a new school.
“It’s been a priority for a whole lot of people for a whole lot of years,” said Chris Coers, School District 83 vice chairperson.
“A new school in Enderby was a priority for all of us.”
Superintendent Dave Witt adds: “We see today the results of the relentless pursuits of many, many people in this community.”
The new $12.9 million school boasts such features as smart boards, energy efficiency and has a new buzz to it.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Grade 4 student Alyssa Avison, enjoying the spacious gym and fly-free classrooms.
“There were flies in our (old) classroom.”
Gracie Brooks, Grade 3, adds: “The lockers were old and it stunk in there.
“This school is bigger and it’s great.”
Principal Carl Cooper was elated to see the students finally enjoying their new school.
“We’re here,” said Cooper. “What an absolutely wonderful and long-awaited day.”
But it was a bittersweet celebration in Enderby, as just one day prior a community-wide funeral was held for firefighter Dan Botkin.
“The joyous opening of this school turns out to be exactly what our community needs right now,” said Enderby Mayor Howie Cyr.
And it was a joyous occasion indeed, as Coers noted.
“I often think that joy and sorrow walk side by side,”
“Today is a day of joy and I’ve seen joy today in the music and on the smiles of students, current and past.”
It was also a day of gratitude, as dignitaries, board members, architects, builders, elders and members of the Spallumcheen Indian Band were thanked.
They were also presented with a piece of history – a brick from the old school.
Just as the old school will go down in history, the new school signifies a milestone achievement.
Not only is the school itself significant, but the efforts that have culminated in its opening, particularly with the Spallumcheen Band will not be forgotten.
Darrell Jones, education co-ordinator with the band, welcomed all students, staff and guests to Secwepemc territory – which spans from Armstrong to Williams Lake.
Following an opening prayer and drumming, Jones acknowledged the inclusion of First Nation traditions in the ceremony.
“It wasn’t that long ago that the recognition and understanding of whose territory you’re in, we never got that,” said Jones, appreciative of the opportunity to be included in the historic grand opening of the school.
The ceremony also included a moment of silence for Botkin.
