Image Credit: Silvia Senna / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

NEW SCHOOL BUILD

Construction underway for 453-seat Sníne Elementary School in Pineview Valley

Jun 3, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Shovels are in the ground for a new school in the Pineview Valley area of Kamloops. Sníne (pronounced “sneena”) Elementary School will be a two-storey building with capacity for 453 students from kindergarten up to Grade 7.

The name stems from the Secwepemctsín word for ‘Owl’. Knowledge Keeper Jackie Jules was among the people selected to be on the school’s naming committee and says Tk’emlups elders had suggested the name as one of their top choices.

“After much research, the great horned owl in this area — Sníne — was brought forward,” she explains. With consultation from Tk’emlups language specialists like Jules, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the naming process marked a milestone in highlighting Secwepemctsín in the local school system.

“I see reconciliation happening, more than anywhere, in the school district,” adds Jules. “They call it “reconcili-Action”.”

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Located near Python Lake in Pineview Valley, Sníne will add more than 450 seats to the area.

“It’s going to be the second-largest elementary school in Kamloops,” S.D. 73 Board Chair Heather Grieve explains. “It’s going to have a number of students who will have the opportunity to thrive and learn. There will be learning spaces beyond just classroom spaces which will be amazing, and a community learning centre as well.”

The province paid $65.3 million for the new school. Grieve says the district is hoping to build on the capital project momentum, as it still has a burgeoning student body.

“Obviously, we are looking at Batchelor Heights and the elementary school there, Aberdeen Secondary, and then also looking at two elementary schools in Aberdeen, as well. Sun Peaks Elementary, Juniper West —we’ve got a number of different places within our community that are really growing,” adds Grieve.

According to project timelines, Sníne Elementary is anticipated to open by the fall of 2026.