Dozens of community members gathered to mark the next generation of Yukon doctors, nurses, teachers, tradespeople, leaders, parents and caregivers by ringing in the new Whistle Bend Elementary School on May 29.
Ahead of the school opening to students in August, dignitaries, media and the public were invited to hear remarks, tour the school and indulge in a barbecue at 33 Olive May Way.
“I look forward to Whistle Bend Elementary School being a place of learning and growing where the youngest Yukoners begin together on the path of lifelong learning,” Premier Ranj Pillai told the crowd in the school’s lobby auditorium.
Education Minister Jeanie McLean noted the facility was smudged prior to the community gathering.
“The smudging ceremony was deeply meaningful to each and every one of us and each and every one of you. We took the time to set a positive intention for this new space and to send our best wishes for all of the students,” she said.
“Schools are much more than just walls and classrooms. They are a canvas, really, upon which students will paint their dreams, a stage upon which they will showcase their talents, a home away from home where they will forge friendships and memories on the way.”
An information sheet describes the school as “a 21st-century learning environment with natural light, wood materials and flexible collaborative spaces” and “acoustic treatments make the building noticeably quieter.”
The music room turns into a stage. Garage doors allow opening spaces to potential learning across classrooms. Individual all-gender restrooms are throughout the school.
The school cost $42.8 million to build, per the info sheet.
Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Chief Amanda Leas said her government and development corporation have been working on coming up with housing fixes to grow the community of Whistle Bend. The school sits across the street from a long-term care home.
“Having a school right in the neighbourhood where you live is so beneficial for parents juggling both their careers and life balances. From kindergarten to Grade 7, I notice the rustling of after-school activities and events within walking distance, which is beneficial to everyone,” she said.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith suggested this new modern school looks outside the box. It embraces different ways of learning and growing up. It brings cultures together in a holistic way.
“We used to have those standard boxes which they created, and we put a whole bunch of kids in and wished and hoped that they would achieve and succeed. Sometimes those boxes didn't necessarily work. We have examples of that within our community,” he said.
Following the public remarks, principal Jeff Cressman joined Yukon ministers for a press conference.
Reporters asked about a December 2023 letter from the Whistle Bend Elementary School Council to the premier and Education minister. The letter expresses concerns about the school’s sensory rooms. It argues the sensory room is “unsafe, triggering, trauma-inducing and akin to a hold room.” It suggests the size of the room is inadequate and the glass door raises concerns.
Cressman indicated those concerns have been addressed.
“The school council is very happy with what the changes we made,” he said.
“We worked with the school council, and we worked with student support services, to order a list of things that the school council was suggesting. So, they're there. They were cheering with me last week, and they're quite happy with the space.”
An email statement from Julie Ménard in Education department communications indicates a second, bigger sensory room was added and gear was bought to meet the needs of students who will require access to these rooms.
Cressman elaborated on the sensory rooms, which are basically quiet spaces for disregulated students to go when they are in the “red zone” and they need to calm down.
“Often, they just need a place to go and be quieter to go work with someone by themselves for a little bit,” he explained.
Cressman noted that even the premier tested out the “crash mat” in the bigger sensory room.
“Basically, it's places for students to go and burn off energy,” Cressman said.
Cressman said teachers have been hired and educational assistants are being hired, starting in the next couple of weeks.
“We're fully staffed for teachers,” he said.
With just over 200 students registered so far, the school can accommodate up to 425 students.
Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke said that, unlike F.H. Collins Secondary School, which “was basically at capacity on day one,” there’s still room for the student count to grow at the new Whistle Bend school.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
