Valleyview Secondary School community looking forward to ‘no more portables’

The rendering CHP Architects put together showcases a modern aesthetic, including 20 additional classrooms, new gymnasium space, and multi-purpose areas.

“So we’ll have two gyms, so that’s pretty amazing. Lots of space for kids to gather in small groups, so that’s really really good,” notes Hamblett. “We have some gender-neutral washrooms, which is amazing.”

Expanding the school will relieve some of the pressure on the building, which houses more than 900 students, despite its capacity for only 625.

“I mean we’ve got 10 portables now. We have space — we could squeeze in one, maybe two. But right now everything is packed,” explains Hamblett. “Locker space is an issue, kids sitting on the floor eating their lunch is an issue, parking is an issue.”

School administration notes that over the last several years, Valleyview has seen about one classroom worth of new students added annually.

Grade 9 student Rajamrit Baidwan says she’s excited about the added space the two-storey building will have. While the gymnasium aspect is certainly a highlight, she says even having more hallway and classroom space will be a relief.

“When you go between classes, it gets really crowded because everyone is going in different directions, and it’s really crowded,” she explains. “Yeah, it’s like a salmon run.”

Given how long construction will take, some current students will have already graduated. But those in Grades 8 and 9 will be able to enjoy the new building, and say the larger space can’t come soon enough.

“I think I’m looking forward to having more eating areas, because I’m one who often sat on the floor to eat my lunch, and it’s not conventional or convenient,” explains Shelby Roy, who is currently in Grade 9 at Valleyview. “So I’m looking forward to not having to do that anymore.”

Grade 9 student Seharaab Baidwan says right now it’s difficult to find a place to sit with friends at lunchtimes, and says she plans to utilize the new spots when the school is finished.

“Maybe I’ll sit on the learning stairs, and maybe (it’ll be good) to be outside. Because they’re even having stairs near the parking lot aren’t they? That’s going to be fun too, and it gives you a university feel,” she says, “and I kind of like it.”

Once site preparation starts in early 2020, Hamblett says there will have to be some space juggling to keep students in class, and keep the project moving.

“So Phase 1 we’ve been told is just going to look after the field portion and some of the parking, so it won’t have an effect on our learning spaces right now,” explains Hamblett. “They’re going about that planning in a very thoughtful way to make it as least disruptive as possible.”

The School District says some details show this early on, such as colour and space determinations will likely change somewhat, but construction is expected to be finished by September of 2022.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Valleyview Secondary School community looking forward to ‘no more portables’

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