Teachers Await Access to New Saanich School Before Classes Start

The opening of the new Cedar Hill Middle School in Saanich, British Columbia, is delayed, leaving teachers uncertain about setting up classrooms ahead of the new school year. While students across the province returned to class on September 5, 2023, the replacement for the old Cedar Hill Middle School remains unfinished due to construction delays. Consequently, the Greater Victoria School District has rescheduled the start date for students to Thursday, September 7, 2023.

In a statement, Carolyn Howe, president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, emphasized the importance of allowing teachers to prepare their classrooms. “In terms of academic achievement… teachers can make this up no problem,” Howe stated. “What’s really most important is that teachers get a chance to set things up, so when the kids come back, the school is ready.”

The Greater Victoria School District has not provided an interview but confirmed via email that Cedar Hill staff have been preparing for the school year from the school board office. The district assured that teachers would have time to organize their spaces before students arrive.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, the teachers’ association reported that access to the building had not yet occurred. Staff were informed they would be allowed entry at 10:30 on Thursday morning, leading to further inquiries regarding the potential for a delayed opening. According to CTV News Vancouver Island, the district has not clarified if an occupancy permit has been secured, raising further concerns about the timing of the school’s opening.

“Teachers are feeling pretty stressed. They’re always willing to do what it takes, but this is making it really challenging for everyone,” Howe said, reflecting the anxiety among educators as they prepare for the new school year.

Parents were notified about the late start approximately two weeks prior to the new term. A spokesperson for the district stated, “Some unforeseen delays in the build had to be resolved on September 2 before the building was deemed safe and accessible for entry.”

The situation highlights the challenges faced by educators and the district as they strive to ensure a smooth transition for students returning to the classroom. As the opening day approaches, uncertainty remains regarding whether teachers will have adequate time to prepare their learning environments.