Beachcombers Academy is in the completion stage of its new Little Oysters Preschool.
Beachcombers Education Society was awarded a $219,000 Capital Funding grant from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The funding is part of a provincial government initiative to increase childcare spaces in the province.
Beachcombers Academy has transformed an uninsulated storage area into a new preschool.
鈥淲ith the exception of the exterior walls, we really started from the ground up with new foundation and beautiful finishing. We are very excited with the results,鈥� said executive co-ordinator Zoe Lambert.
The new preschool facility will be able to accommodate 16 children in an ocean-view room that also has a 40 square foot stained glass work of art by stained-glass master Ted Goodden. The work was installed with support from the Comox Valley Regional District and Mac鈥檚 Oysters.
The preschool provides a nature-inspired program in a gentle and supportive environment.
Beachcombers Academy & Little Oysters Preschool is operated by a non-profit for the benefit of providing high-quality education for Comox Valley children. It offers an enriched program with a focus on small class sizes, teaching respect and quality academics.
鈥淎s part of the many changes, we have also changed the name of the school from Beachcombers Community School to Beachcombers Academy," principal Wendy Preston said. "This better reflects the academic strengths of the school, although we will continue to embrace our sense of shared community.鈥�
The Academy offers an optional bus service and serves students from Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Royston, Denman Island and Fanny Bay.
A Thursday, Sept. 3 grand opening of the preschool will be in conjunction with an open house for academy, and an art opening for the stained glass by Goodden and his apprentice, artist Nicole Tritter.
The grand opening is from 1 to 3 p.m.
Families unable to attend are welcome to book an individualized appointment with Preston by emailing principal.beachcombers@shaw.ca.
For more information visit www.BeachcombersSchool.ca.
