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PHOTOS: New Langford elementary school a slam dunk for growing community

SCIANEW STELITKEL Elementary will provide 480 seats for children in kindergarten through to Grade 5

Before students even had the chance to step inside Langford’s newest elementary school, its gymnasium was put through its paces – by politicians.

Opening this September, SCIANEW STELITKEL Elementary, located at 802 Latoria Rd., will provide 480 seats for children in kindergarten through to Grade 5, easing long-term enrolment pressures for the Sooke School District.

“Welcome to the most beautiful elementary school in the world,” declared Langford-Highlands MLA Ravi Parmar at the school’s official opening Aug. 27, who later challenged colleagues to shoot hoops in the brand-new gym.

"I can't wait to see the halls filled with laughter, backpacks on the hooks and the start of new memories for the students," he added in a statement.

Costing nearly $48 million, the school has been five years in the making. Its name was gifted to the district by the Sc’ianew First Nation, with Elder Lavina Charles playing a key role in its selection. 

Translated from SENCOTEN, SCIANEW STELITKEL means “salmon children.”

For principal Camille McFarlane – formerly of Sangster Elementary – the name represents more than identity.

“It means so much to me to be a part of a school that is grounded and based in reconciliation and working together with the nation,” she said.

Amanda Dowhy, chair of the Sooke School District Board of Education, said the name also represents a step towards language revitalization.

"It is with great joy that we can play just a small part in returning and reclaiming this bit of language,” she said, explaining how the word STELITKEL had almost been lost to history.

Dowhy added the new school is more than a collection of classrooms, but a “sanctuary,” for young minds to explore, create and discover their full potential.

“It is a testament to what we can achieve when community comes together,” she said. “It stands as a symbol of reconciliation, of collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, between educators and families, and between students and the futures that they will shape.”

"Every hallway, mural, and gathering space has been intentionally designed to foster connection, wonder, and belonging,” she later added.

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Dignitaries celebrate the opening of Langford's new elementary school, SCIANEW STELITKEL. Ben Fenlon/Goldstream News Gazette

SCIANEW STELITKEL is one of many new schools and additions opening across the province in September, adding over 3,000 seats for B.C. students.

“… (SCIANEW STELITKEL) will ensure that as the West Shore continues to grow, students are supported with modern and inspiring spaces to live and learn for years to come,” said Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma, speaking to media and dignitaries.

From provincial planning to local leadership, the message was clear: the school is both an investment in growth and a home for students. 

For principal McFarlane, the heart of the school will always be the children – creating an environment for them to thrive, build friendships and learn, while honouring the stories and traditions of this land.

“I’m super excited about welcoming new families and students into school,” she said, adding they will also be greeting kids previously "displaced" to schools outside south Langford, while they patiently waited for SCIANEW STELITKEL's opening.



Ben Fenlon

About the Author: Ben Fenlon

Multimedia journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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