Burnaby School District’s newest elementary school is University Highlands Elementary, located in the UniverCity area of Simon Fraser University.  The School is an excellent addition to this growing and very unique community. UniverCity, is approximately 5 years young and already boasts 1300+residents.  SFU Community Trust’s long term plan is to grow the total number of residents to 4500+.  The Elementary School is not only attracting more families to this vibrant community but is a great benefit for faculty and students with younger children; having your child attend school in the same vicinity is sure to be a bonus for all.

In speaking with Principal Lori Driussi, it is clear to me that the School District has chosen a great candidate to head this new and fresh School.  The passion she expressed for the Community, the students, the future faculty and the various partnerships the School and the School District intends to create is exactly what the community requires.  She has an open attitude and was very helpful in answering my questions.  I look forward to working with her and the School in an effort to give back to a Community that I have close ties to.

During my conversation with Ms. Driussi, she advised that the School and Burnaby Parks and Recreation will have a shared space in the School and will offer programs for adults and children.  This is a great idea given the environmentally sustainable approach that SFU Community Trust is taking for the UniverCity Area.  To that end the School has been built to LEED Gold standards and offers some very unique design features: solar panels and skylights are used extensively to allow for more natural light, there is a a rooftop garden and a weather station to name just a few of the environmentally friendly elements University Highlands has implemented.

Construction is progressing very well and it looks like the opening time frame of 2010 school year will be met.  With a total capacity of 275, University Highlands has already surpassed the half way mark of enrolment. 

I look forward to opening day!