On June 9, Moody Elementary School community came together to celebrate the grand opening of its beautiful new school. 

The ceremony began with students sharing a welcome song (gifted by Kristina Joe from kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation), followed by the singing of O Canada. Guests also heard remarks from MLA Glumac, Superintendent Nadine Tambellini, Board Chair Michael Thomas and Principal Sheila Rawnsley, who shared their congratulations and reflected on this exciting new chapter for Moody Elementary.

One of the most memorable moments of the celebration came from the students themselves, who shared what makes Moody Elementary truly special.

  

 While the new building is an exciting place to learn and grow, students reminded everyone that what makes Moody feel like home is the people.

“I’m proud to be part of a community where everyone is caring, supportive and kind.”

“Moody is special to me because everyone cares for me. We always cheer for each other and our teachers are eager to help us learn and grow.”

“Moving to a new school can be scary, but everyone at Moody made it easy because they were so welcoming. Kindness is what makes Moody feel like home.”

“The teachers have been so kind and welcoming that they’ve inspired me to want to become a teacher too.”

"Students also spoke proudly about what it means to be Moody Orcas, describing their school community as one big pod that learns, grows and supports one another."

“Our new building is exciting, but it is the people who make it special. As we start this new chapter, we are excited for all the future people who will join our pod.”

 
The school was also honoured to welcome Elder Marie from kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and Elder John from the Nakwaxda’xw Nation.

Elder John began working with the school in November 2024 and created the new Moody Orca logo. He also carved and painted the orca that now hangs above the main foyer. The front, or welcome side, features a design shared with permission from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Nation, while the other side represents Elder John’s family’s Nation.

Congratulations to the entire Moody Elementary community on this special milestone!