The oldest elementary school in Vancouver faces possible closure

by Stephanie Law ~ September 15th, 2010. Filed under: Kingsway.

Four old men of East Indian origin sat leisurely on a bench Wednesday evening outside a two simple structures surrounded by a large patch of green that make up the oldest school in Vancouver, which is facing potential closure in 2011. Behind them is a large signpost detailing the history of the school and how it has supported the community since its establishment in 1896.

Sir Guy Carleton Community Elementary is at the corner of Kingsway and Joyce in Vancouver’s historical Collingwood neighbourhood. The school serves a culturally diverse neighbourhood of largely immigrant families. This diversity is reflected by the various local stores and restaurants with non-English signage, like a cafe called “Thuong Dang Danh Tra.” There are also small cinemas, like “Raja Cinema”, dotted along Kingsway that screen films in Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Despite the cultural differences displayed by the neighbours strolling down Kingsway and the various storefronts, the school appears to act as a unifying force. The freshly cut grass around the school and student artwork posted along the fence demonstrate how important this school is to the community. Furthermore, a large signpost  as well as to Vancouver’s heritage. It is unclear why this community might be losing their school.

In discussion of the school’s possible closure, the men sitting outside the school revealed that this is not the only elementary school in the neighbourhood under threat of closure – it is among three that serve the communities living around Kingsway. They said the Vancouver School Board announced their potential closure due to budget shortfalls and because the land could be used for better investments.

They said many of the families living in the area are unsettled by the Board’s decision, and have organized rallies and petitions in protest. A demonstration held on Monday outside the school gathered over 100 protestors from the community.

The Carleton school has long been part of the neighbourhood’s history. The neighbourhood is fearful of what would happen when the children have to integrate into schools in other communities. Furthermore, if all three schools in the area close, it is unclear whether nearby schools – which are widespread – would be able to absorb the sudden influx of schoolchildren currently enrolled at the three schools.

The final decision regarding the closure of the schools is pending, but the community is prepared to fight for their right to keep them.

1 Response to The oldest elementary school in Vancouver faces possible closure

  1.   Matt Robinson

    Good job identifying that this will disproportionately affect minority ethnic populations in the area, particularly newcomers. Good story.

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