The Sooke School District is seeking help from the community in naming a new elementary school in South Langford.
The new school is set to be finished by the fall of 2025 and will be located in the Latoria area of South Langford.
Instead of holding public meetings, the board intends on accepting public suggestions using the online platform, Thought Exchange.
This online resource allows participants to engage with one another anonymously and in real time.
In recognition of its commitment to truth and reconciliation, the Board will also be engaging with the local Indigenous Nations to hear their suggestions and ideas for the naming of the new elementary school.
As described on the forum’s introductory page, those suggesting ideas are asked to consider a school name that will reflect the community, inspire local pride and to help give the school an identity.
“School names can recognize and reflect culture, heritage, and landscape,” said the school district.
On February 15th, an open house will be held at Happy Valley Elementary where the Board of Education will announce the 10 names that received the highest approval through the Thought Exchange forum.
After the public meeting, the board will decide on a name in early March that will be announced to the public in April 2023 at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new school.
To participate in the decision, share your ideas through Thought Exchange from now until January 31st.
New school name suggestions
- Where: Online via Thought Exchange
- When: January 17th to January 31st
Sooke School District open house
- Where: Happy Valley Elementary, 3291 Happy Valley Road
- When: February 15th. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
