On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education, students, staff, families, district leadership, community members, and special guests gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Sníne Elementary School, the newest school in the Kamloops-Thompson School District.

Sníne Elementary officially welcomed students on September 8, 2026, at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Located at 1900 Copperhead Drive in the growing Pineview Valley neighbourhood of Kamloops, the new school serves Kindergarten to Grade 7 students with three Kindergarten rooms and 17 new classrooms.

The opening of Sníne Elementary marks a historic milestone for the Kamloops-Thompson School District as the first new school to open on a new school site in more than 25 years. The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education has been advocating for a new school in Pineview Valley since the 2014-2015 Capital Plan to help address growing enrolment pressures in southwest Kamloops.

Nestled into the hillside of Pineview Valley, the two-storey school has an operating capacity of 453 students. Constructed using BC timber, the school was designed with sustainability in mind and includes greenhouse gas reduction measures. 

Sníne (pronounced Sneena) is the Secwépemc word for owl, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and guidance. In Secwépemc teachings, Owl is known as both a messenger and a teacher of children. The name Sníne was brought forward by the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc fluent Elders working group (Wumecwílc – Bringing the language forward-back). As the first school in the Kamloops-Thompson School District to receive a Secwepemctsín name, Sníne Elementary reflects the District's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to creating learning environments where every learner can thrive.

The grand opening celebration began with a welcome from Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Elder Jackie Jules, who also led students, staff, families, and guests in the Welcome Song.

"I'm so happy to be up here today at the new school, Sníne Elementary," shared Elder Jackie Jules. "I was looking at the side of the mountains up here, and I already saw a culturally modified tree. It makes my heart happy to know that our people have travelled, hunted, and gathered throughout the territory here. I'm very excited to come up and teach cultural teachings."

Principal Rosie Caputo welcomed guests and reflected on the vision behind the new school.

"Every classroom, hallway, and space in this school was built with a single purpose: to create a safe, inspiring environment where curiosity is sparked, and futures are shaped," shared Caputo. "Our Indigenous garden serves as a living classroom, honouring the traditional territory, history, and wisdom of the land, while teaching our students the value of stewardship and community."

Sníne Elementary is home to the District's first Indigenous Garden, creating opportunities for students from across the District to connect learning with culture, community, and the land. Together, the school and District are committed to fostering a place of meaningful learning where Indigenous knowledge, culture, and wisdom are honoured and celebrated every day.

"When I look around the room, I see a number of people who have been part of not only the building, but the vision for this new school," shared Board Chair Heather Grieve. "The idea for a school in Pineview Valley started with trustees who came before me. To everyone who has contributed to having this building come to fruition, and to the students and staff who now call it home, congratulations. We look forward to seeing everything that is achieved within these walls and on these fields."

Superintendent Mike St. John acknowledged the many individuals and partners whose efforts helped bring the project to life while highlighting the excitement of seeing students begin creating the school's story.

"While we are here to celebrate a new building, a school is truly special because of the people inside it," shared Mike St. John. "On September 8, more than 300 students walked through these doors for the very first time. Since then, these hallways, classrooms, and learning spaces have already begun to fill with curiosity, creativity, laughter, and learning."

St. John also encouraged students to take pride in the role they will play in shaping the future of their new school.

"To the students of Sníne: this school is now yours. You are the first to write its story, build its traditions, and create memories that will define this community for years to come."

Following remarks from speakers, Board Chair Heather Grieve, Superintendent Mike St. John, Principal Rosie Caputo, and Trustees Kathleen Karpuk, Cole Hickson, and Cara McKelvey participated in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Students, staff, families, and guests then toured the new school and gathered outside for refreshments and an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.

Throughout the event, the sense of excitement and ownership among students was undeniable. As guests gathered for the event in the gym, one young student enthusiastically explained that he was heading to the gym because "it's our grand opening," a simple but powerful reminder that Sníne Elementary already belongs to the students and families who will fill it with learning, laughter, and memories for generations to come.

At the conclusion of the event, Principal Caputo shared a special message with students.

"Like the timber that holds up these ceilings and the Indigenous plants rooted in our garden, you are all here to grow strong in Pineview Valley. Fill these halls at Sníne with your curiosity, your laughter, and your dreams. You are the very first chapter in this building's history, and we cannot wait to see what you achieve here."

For the first students to walk through its doors, Sníne Elementary is now more than a new building. It is a place where learning, culture, community, and belonging come together.