Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education Celebrates Valleyview Secondary Expansion

The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education hosted the grand opening of the Valleyview Secondary Expansion project on November 1, 2022. 

“This $34.8 million addition has resulted in 20 new classroom spaces and expanded common areas that enable staff and students to be more comfortable and connected,” said the Board Chair Heather Grieve. 

In the decades since the last major capital project, the design for school learning spaces has changed. The east wing at Valleyview Secondary has expansive windows, common areas for students to gather casually between classes, natural wood accents, and inclusive washrooms. 

“There are now 525 more seats which are much needed now that our school has over 1000 students,” explained Principal, Mr. Cory Carmichael. “The students enjoy the flexible seating throughout the school, the wide hallways and stairwells, and outdoor gathering spaces.”

“Our students and parents are also looking forward to a new gymnasium, multipurpose spaces and innovative classrooms like film studios, and a drafting room,” stated Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Nixon

On March 8, 2022, there was an informal gathering to walk through the new wing. SD73 Facilities Department was celebrated by the Board of Education for persisting through supply chain issues that arose especially in the final stages of the project. At that time, the wing was under construction, so students and staff used parts of it for some classes.

For the celebration on November 1, 2022, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir brought greetings on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation; Mayor Christianson shared his excitement on behalf of the City Council; Shelly Frost spoke on behalf of MLA Todd Stone; Kamloops-Thompson Board Chair Heather Grieve sent her regrets and Vice Chair Meghan Wade read Minister Whiteside’s statement and spoke on behalf of the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education; Director of Facilities Art Mcdonald highlighted the work of his team; Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon highlighted the work of staff; Valleyview Secondary PAC Chair, Tara Hess emphasized parental support for this expansion; Teacher Tracy Thomas spoke about the value of added space for her language program;Teacher Roger Turner shared the positive impact of the extension on teaching and learning; and students, Danna Campbell, Rachel Farrow and Levi Purves spoke to their current experiences learning in a rejuvenated space and one that has released pressure on what were overcrowded hallways and classrooms. Students shared some of the following comments of hope regarding this extension of their school:

“I believe that the expansion of Valleyview Secondary will uplift students and their well-being in the new learning space provided,” said VVS student Danna Campbell.

“Students at Valleyview Secondary are able to better their education in a new space where everybody feels welcome,” said VVS student Rachel Farrow. “We have seen improvements in the overall learning environment, with benefits to students and teachers alike.”

“I am deeply thankful for the gracious effort and work of so many people to make this dream a reality,” said VVS student Levi Purves. “Valleyview Secondary has become a place for resident students and teachers to be proud of, and I am grateful for a new chapter in our school’s history.”

Valleyview extension was a long-time coming, and we are proud that students are finally experiencing the benefits of it in 2022.

News Release from Ministry of Education and Childcare: Kamloops students benefit from expanded school, new gym