Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary / Middle School

The new Southside Elementary / Middle School is being constructed on the former Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack, on the traditional territory of the Sto:lo Nation.

The design approach, reflected in integration of building and site, combines 21st century learning objectives and the First Peoples Principles of Learning. Overarching principles such as porosity, flexibility, views, and a sense of place have been integrated together to create a supportive learning environment.

The learning commons, for example, supports a whole school approach in developing a participatory learning community, a physical learning hub for the school. The learning commons is designed to encourage and support future-oriented learning and ideas with its central location, direct adjacency to the maker lab and its reflective communal stairs and views of the surrounding river valley, emphasizing learning and the school’s connection with the land.

Neighborhood Learning and community support programs have also been integrated, addressing the School District’s organizational and operational needs - supporting the community at large and the broader needs of the City of Chilliwack.