After five months apart, the Westmount Elementary school community is back together again at their beloved neighborhood school.

On Monday, March 30, 2026, staff and students returned to their school for the first time since the fire on October 26, 2025, temporarily closed the building. From the moment the hallways and playground filled with laughter and familiar faces, it was clear this was more than a reopening—it was a homecoming.

“There was a lot of excitement coming back here,” shared Principal Roy Styles. “The biggest thing was getting our whole community together again. We were very separated being at other schools, and this is such a tight-knit community. Being back together feels really good.”

In the days following the fire, the District’s priority was getting students back into classrooms as quickly and safely as possible. Within a couple days, Westmount staff had established fully functioning classrooms across three nearby schools—Kay Bingham Elementary, Parkcrest Elementary, and George Hilliard Elementary.

By Wednesday, October 29, students were once again learning and connecting in classrooms. Bussing was provided where needed, and the host schools welcomed Westmount students with handmade signs, sidewalk chalk art, and cheers that helped ease a difficult transition.

“It was a shock when everything happened,” said Principal Styles. “But the staff got to work immediately. Our focus was on supporting students and making sure learning could continue.”

Over the months that followed, new routines were established, new friendships were formed, and the Westmount school community carried its spirit wherever it went. Throughout it all, staff reminded students: “We can do hard things.”

While the school building was closed, the heart of Westmount remained strong. The Parent Advisory Council worked tirelessly to keep a sense of normalcy, continuing hot lunch programs for students across all three new school sites. Staff, families, and students leaned on one another, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and kindness every step of the way.

“In my experience, students are the most resilient of any age group,” Styles reflected. “They adapt, they make the best of things, and our staff made sure students always felt safe and supported.”

Grade 7 student Declan described the months away as challenging but meaningful. “It felt like I wasn’t at home,” he said. “Being back feels nostalgic. This experience has helped me be more adaptable.”

For fellow Grade 7 student Alexandria, the return was emotional. “It feels amazing—I’m so happy,” she said. “It almost feels like a family reunion.”

In November, testing revealed that asbestos-containing materials had been disturbed during the fire, extending the remediation timeline. Restoration work began in January, following a completed tender process, and included renovating and rebuilding parts of the library, office areas, hallways, and staff room. Every classroom and item within the school was thoroughly cleaned to ensure a safe return.

“It was incredible what was accomplished in such a short time,” said Styles. “This whole building has been cleaned—every classroom, every surface. It was truly a team effort.”

Thanks to the extraordinary work of District staff and contractors, remediation was completed ahead of schedule, allowing the school to reopen immediately following Spring Break.

With a new skylight installed in the library, the heart of the school is flooded with bright, natural light—a fitting symbol of renewal and new beginnings. While the library collection is still being rebuilt, staff are working hard to restore this cherished learning space.

The reopening of Westmount Elementary is a moment of celebration and gratitude. Sincere thanks are extended to George Hilliard Elementary, Kay Bingham Elementary, and Parkcrest Elementary for welcoming Westmount students and staff so generously, ensuring learning continued smoothly while new connections were formed.

Thank you to Kamloops Fire Rescue for their swift response in October, to District staff and contractors for their diligence, care, and commitment to safety, and to Westmount families for their patience, kindness, and partnership throughout an unexpected and challenging time.

“At the end of the day, this was about supporting kids,” shared Styles. “It wasn’t one person—it was an entire community coming together.”

As Westmount Elementary settles back into its building, the school community is also preparing to celebrate an important milestone. The school originally opened its doors on February 19, 1976, making this year the school’s 50th anniversary. Plans are underway to celebrate five decades of learning, connection, and community later this year. 

After months of challenge, Westmount Elementary has returned not just restored—but renewed, resilient, and ready for what comes next.

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications & Board Administration