Students and staff will return to their upgraded school this summer.
>> Tania Wegwitz
George Jay Elementary is in the final stages of its seismic upgrade and kids, parents, and staff are excited to be heading back to the school’s Princess Avenue location in September.
Over the past year, students have been attending an interim location on Richmond Avenue. “The year at Richmond went very well, but we are so excited to see our new school and be back in Fernwood,” said outgoing PAC President Kate Wallace.
New President Shannon McLeod agrees: “The kids can’t wait to check out what’s been added.”
And a lot has been added. Beyond the refurbishments to the school building itself, the renovations are bringing new landscaping and a soaring covered entranceway. A nature-based playground is also in the works and a large and colourful mural will soon add further beauty and welcome.
Artists Joanne Thomson, Jennifer Johnson, and Beth Threlfall worked with students to create the mural, which was made possible through generous donations from Fernwood residents, the Market on Yates, Cook St. Castle Building Centre, Opus Framing and Art Supplies, Taiga Forest Products, and the donation jars at Wellburn’s Market.
And what’s another thing being added in September? With George Jay’s enrollment growing by leaps and bounds—a whole bunch more happy kids.
