Students, parents get peek inside Whitehorse's new Whistle Bend school

The Yukon government threw open the doors on Wednesday at the newly-built elementary school in Whitehorse's Whistle Bend neighbourhood.

Construction on the school is now complete and classes will start there in the next school year, beginning in August. It's the first new elementary school in the city in more than two decades.

The $42.8-million school will serve kindergarten to Grade 7 students from the rapidly growing Whistle Bend neighbourhood, and Takhini North. It can accommodate up to 425 students, and so far about 200 are registered for the upcoming school year.

Premier Ranj Pillai was among the dignitaries, teachers and families who came for a tour of the facility on Wednesday. He lauded the "incredible building."

"Whistle Bend elementary school will educate future generations of Yukon doctors, nurses, teachers, leaders, workers, parents, caregivers, and most importantly, community members," he said.

Inside one of the school's classrooms. (Sarah Xenos/Radio-Canada)

"Today's a day to celebrate this new school, this new community, and the new promise of our future."

Education Minister Jeanie McLean described "basking in the glow of this new state-of-the-art school." She said a smudging ceremony was held at the building earlier, led by Ta'an Kwäch'än elder Betsy Jackson.

"We took the time to set a positive intention for this new space, and to send our best wishes for all of the students who will have the opportunity to learn here," McLean said.

She also pointed out two rooms at the facility intended to build Indigenous cultural connections, one for language programs, and another for elders to meet with students and staff.

Work on the sports field and playgrounds at the school will be finished this summer.

An official name for the school also has yet to be chosen. The government says the school council will work with families, staff and students to come up with a name "that reflects the values of the school community."