After nearly 35 years of providing Christian education in the Comox Valley, and six months of feverish renovations, the local Christian school will begin classes March 31 in its permanent home.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony happens at 10 a.m.
The purchase of the former Brooklyn Elementary School was made possible through a generous donation of $1.2 million and a commitment for up to $600,000 more in matching grants from the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Foundation.
In response, the board of the school has decided to rename the school in honour of Phil and Jennie Gaglardi. Its new name will be the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Academy.
The new school has been a hive of activity as volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours to cleaning, painting, and renovating in preparation for the K to 12 students that will now occupy its hallways.
Offering education in the arts, sciences, athletics and trades, the Christian school provides an excellent gateway for students to step through in preparation for service and success on the other side of graduation.
The new school facility provides the opportunity for the school to continue growing as it serves students and families in the Comox Valley.
The foundation’s generous gift was given to honour the contribution to the Christian community that Phil and Jennie made over their lifetimes. Among their numerous contributions throughout B.C., their efforts in Kamloops over five decades clearly demonstrate their values of service, community, and an investment in children that echoes the values of the Christian school.
They expanded it four times and developed the largest Sunday School in Canada amongst the Pentecostal Assemblies.
Jennie broadcast a children’s radio program called Aunt Jennie's. Jennie also served as the church's Sunday school superintendent.
Phil was elected as a Kamloops MLA and became Highways Minister, serving for 20 years.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony happens March 31 at 10 a.m. at 1475 Noel Ave. in Comox. Members of the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Foundation will be at the school for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the new facility and name.
Registrations are already coming in for the 2014/15 academic year. For details, phone 250-339-1200.
— Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Academy