After years of waiting, students in north-end Halifax are finally about to walk into their brand-new St. Joseph’s–Alexander McKay Elementary (SJAM) School.
Construction officially wrapped up on February 2, when the contractor handed over the keys to the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE). Acadia News joined members of the school advisory council, steering committee, and government officials for a first look inside before the big opening on February 18.
It was in 2022 when the original school was torn down. It was expected to be completed in the winter of 2024 but kept being pushed back.
Minister of Public Works, Fred Tilley, says there were numerous reasons for the delays, such as COVID shutdowns, labour issues, and material shortages. “It was an absolute endeavour to get from point A to point B, with many ups and downs from beginning to end,” he says, “but it all culminates here today with this gorgeous facility.”
Members of the school advisory council, steering committee, and government officials cutting ribbon before opening. From left, Public Works Minister Fred Tilley; NDP’s Suzy Hansen; school principal Cheyanne Gorman-Tolliver; Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
Over the past couple of weeks, teachers and staff have been busy learning the school’s new systems and putting the finishing touches on their classrooms — all to make sure everything’s ready when students walk through the doors Wednesday morning.
SJAM’s principal, Cheyanne Gorman-Tolliver — affectionately known as Miss T — says the new building marks a return to roots, giving students the chance to learn right in their own neighbourhood. “February 18th marks the beginning of a new chapter, not just for our school, but for the North End community,” she says.
Open-concept art space with multi-functional furniture/desks that convert to easels. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
The bright, modern building feels open and welcoming, with plenty of daylight filling wide hallways and collaborative classrooms. It will soon be home to up to 515 students, from pre-primary to Grade 6.
Accessibility, safety, and inclusivity were top priorities in the design, with features like multi-functional classroom furniture, open-concept universal washrooms, ramps and elevators, and window shades for emergency situations.
Minister of Public Works, Fred Tilley, standing in SJAM gym. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
Miss T tells Acadia News that the old school didn’t have a gym at all, so everyone’s thrilled to have access to one now. The new gym includes changing rooms, a divider screen that can split the space in two, surround sound speakers, in-house seating for events, and a stage outfitted with professional lighting for school performances.
The cafeteria, located on the main floor, overlooks a fenced playground on Russel Street. Staff are especially excited that, unlike at the old location, the Nova Scotia school lunch program will now be able to cook food on-site — a big improvement for students and staff alike.
Cafeteria overlooking Russel Street. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
The school also includes a 58-childcare center, which will open in the coming months under a third-party operator.
The building is one of a kind, and some are asking how it might set the bar for other educational facilities moving forward. Minister of Early Childhood Education Brendan Maguire says, “I think the blueprint here is really listening to the community.”
