Students and staff at Comox Valley Schools are now learning in newly opened spaces at Aspen Park Elementary, as the school’s expansion is officially complete.
The addition brings 11 new classrooms and space for up to 270 students, helping to accommodate enrolment growth in the Comox Valley and support a range of learning needs.
Designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, the new spaces include dedicated areas for special education, an elevator to ensure accessibility, and a covered breezeway connecting the addition to the existing school building.
The addition also features energy-efficient systems to create bright, comfortable learning environments year-round, supporting both student well-being and sustainability.
Construction began in winter 2025 and was completed in just under 14 months using prefabricated construction methods to support timely delivery.
“This expansion represents an important investment in the future of our students,” said Michelle Waite, board chair for Comox Valley Schools. “With modern learning spaces and increased capacity, Aspen Park is well positioned to support students and families in our growing community.”
The $16.5-million project is part of broader provincial investments to expand and upgrade schools across the district, helping ensure students have access to safe, inclusive and modern learning environments.
Families and community members can read more about the project in the Province of B.C.’s announcement:
Read the provincial news release
With the addition now open, students and staff are settling into the new classrooms and learning spaces, marking an exciting new chapter for the Aspen Park school community.
Happy New Year to all of our students and families! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season and is feeling refreshed as we begin a brand-new year together. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2026.
I would also like to warmly welcome Mr. C, who has joined our classroom as my teaching partner while Mr. Cookie is away on medical leave. Mr. C has been an absolute pleasure to work with so far. He is a wonderful collaborator and has a very similar teaching style to Mr. Cookie, which has made the transition smooth and comfortable for the students. We are thrilled to have him with us.
Over the next several weeks, our learning will be centered around an exciting Winter Olympics theme. Mr. C will be exploring this theme through Social Studies, Science, and Math, while I will be connecting it to French language learning and a variety of winter-inspired art projects.
Looking ahead to February, Mr. C and I will be working closely with our Grade 7 students to plan, organize, and host a Mini Aspen Park Elementary Winter Olympics. Students will help organize and take part in fun and engaging activities such as bobsled racing, team skiing, and more. This will be a fantastic opportunity for leadership, teamwork, and school-wide fun. More details will be shared as the date approaches.
In Career Education, students will be researching several career ideas and learning about different pathways. Before Spring Break in mid-March, we plan to host a mock Career Fair, where students will create interactive displays and invite parents and other classes to come explore their learning. It’s shaping up to be an exciting and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
It is sure to be a fun, busy, and engaging term, and we are looking forward to all the learning and celebrations ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
https://hub71.ca/spopiel/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/Kids-playing-in-snow.webp8001200Brendan Gallagherhttp://hub71.ca/spopiel/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/Hub71-Logo-1-300x120.pngBrendan Gallagher2026-03-19 16:51:042026-03-19 08:57:32Happy New Year!
February is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month in our Grade 3/4 classroom!
On Thursday, February 12th, 2026, our class will be heading to Lake Trail Community School to attend the Find Your Fit career exploration event. This hands-on experience allows students to explore a wide range of careers in B.C. and connects directly to our current Career Education unit. The visit will help inspire students as they prepare their own career booths for the Airport Elementary Career Fair in March. We are very grateful for this last-minute opportunity and know it will be a valuable learning experience.
On Thursday, February 26th, 2026, our students will be taking on leadership roles as they host a Mini Winter Olympics for the entire school. Stations include activities such as bobsled, hockey shoot, team skiing, curling, and biathlon. The fun will begin with Opening Ceremonies in the gym at 12:35 p.m. and wrap up around 2:20 p.m. We are excited to see our students shine as organizers, leaders, and role models.
We will also be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 13th with a simple class “Tea Party.” Students have helped plan the celebration, and we will enjoy a relaxed afternoon focused on community and connection.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. February is sure to be a memorable month for our class!
Aspen Expansion
Students and staff at Comox Valley Schools are now learning in newly opened spaces at Aspen Park Elementary, as the school’s expansion is officially complete.
The addition brings 11 new classrooms and space for up to 270 students, helping to accommodate enrolment growth in the Comox Valley and support a range of learning needs.
Designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, the new spaces include dedicated areas for special education, an elevator to ensure accessibility, and a covered breezeway connecting the addition to the existing school building.
The addition also features energy-efficient systems to create bright, comfortable learning environments year-round, supporting both student well-being and sustainability.
Construction began in winter 2025 and was completed in just under 14 months using prefabricated construction methods to support timely delivery.
“This expansion represents an important investment in the future of our students,” said Michelle Waite, board chair for Comox Valley Schools. “With modern learning spaces and increased capacity, Aspen Park is well positioned to support students and families in our growing community.”
The $16.5-million project is part of broader provincial investments to expand and upgrade schools across the district, helping ensure students have access to safe, inclusive and modern learning environments.
Families and community members can read more about the project in the Province of B.C.’s announcement:
Read the provincial news release
With the addition now open, students and staff are settling into the new classrooms and learning spaces, marking an exciting new chapter for the Aspen Park school community.
You can read more information in the BC Ministry of Infrastructure news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026INF0021-000371
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all of our students and families! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season and is feeling refreshed as we begin a brand-new year together. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2026.
I would also like to warmly welcome Mr. C, who has joined our classroom as my teaching partner while Mr. Cookie is away on medical leave. Mr. C has been an absolute pleasure to work with so far. He is a wonderful collaborator and has a very similar teaching style to Mr. Cookie, which has made the transition smooth and comfortable for the students. We are thrilled to have him with us.
Over the next several weeks, our learning will be centered around an exciting Winter Olympics theme. Mr. C will be exploring this theme through Social Studies, Science, and Math, while I will be connecting it to French language learning and a variety of winter-inspired art projects.
Looking ahead to February, Mr. C and I will be working closely with our Grade 7 students to plan, organize, and host a Mini Aspen Park Elementary Winter Olympics. Students will help organize and take part in fun and engaging activities such as bobsled racing, team skiing, and more. This will be a fantastic opportunity for leadership, teamwork, and school-wide fun. More details will be shared as the date approaches.
In Career Education, students will be researching several career ideas and learning about different pathways. Before Spring Break in mid-March, we plan to host a mock Career Fair, where students will create interactive displays and invite parents and other classes to come explore their learning. It’s shaping up to be an exciting and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
It is sure to be a fun, busy, and engaging term, and we are looking forward to all the learning and celebrations ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
February Highlights
February is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month in our Grade 3/4 classroom!
On Thursday, February 12th, 2026, our class will be heading to Lake Trail Community School to attend the Find Your Fit career exploration event. This hands-on experience allows students to explore a wide range of careers in B.C. and connects directly to our current Career Education unit. The visit will help inspire students as they prepare their own career booths for the Airport Elementary Career Fair in March. We are very grateful for this last-minute opportunity and know it will be a valuable learning experience.
On Thursday, February 26th, 2026, our students will be taking on leadership roles as they host a Mini Winter Olympics for the entire school. Stations include activities such as bobsled, hockey shoot, team skiing, curling, and biathlon. The fun will begin with Opening Ceremonies in the gym at 12:35 p.m. and wrap up around 2:20 p.m. We are excited to see our students shine as organizers, leaders, and role models.
We will also be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 13th with a simple class “Tea Party.” Students have helped plan the celebration, and we will enjoy a relaxed afternoon focused on community and connection.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. February is sure to be a memorable month for our class!