Music and dance are just a few of ways students, staff and the community will officially recognize Summerside Public School’s opening on Thursday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Speakers at the ceremonies will include the Director of Education, Mark Fisher, Chair of the Board, Lori-Ann Pizzolato and Trustee Sheri Polhill.

“The official opening ceremonies provide an opportunity for students, staff, and the community to celebrate the creation of a brand-new school community”, said Mark Fisher, Director of Education. “We are grateful for the leadership of Trustees and the Design Committee who helped shape the vision of this project incorporating the voices of the community.”

The $16.6-million school opened its doors in September 2022 for students in kindergarten to Grade 8. The two-story building includes a General Arts Room, Gymnasium, Activity Room and a Library Learning Commons, in addition to several kindergarten and elementary classrooms. Enrollment for this new school includes students who previously attended Fairmont, Tweedsmuir, Westminster Central and Princess Elizabeth public schools.  

“The Board of Trustees are thrilled to have been a part of creating a larger, more modern and efficient school for our Southeast community and students,” said school Chair of the Board of Trustees, Lori-Ann Pizzolato. “The project was approved in June 2019 and we’re thankful for the Ministry’s ongoing support and for the patience of students, staff, parents and caregivers throughout the project’s process.”

In addition to elementary classrooms, the school board partnered with the City of London to provide 88 licensed child care spaces at Summerside.

“The City of London, as the Service System Manager of Early Years and Child Care for London-Middlesex, is pleased to celebrate with our partners at Thames Valley District School Board this new school and the addition of 88 new licensed child care spaces and before and after school care,” said Trevor Fowler, Director for Child Care and Early Years for the City of London. “These new spaces will increase access to high quality early learning experiences that help give children the best possible start in life.”

More details about Thames Valley school construction projects can be found at https://www.tvdsb.ca/projects/.