Construction has started on the new Ta’talu Elementary school in Surrey. The new three-storey school will have space for 655 students, in addition to child care space. The school is expected to open in January 2025.

“As more families choose to make this community their home, we will continue to make progress in delivering new and expanded schools for Surrey students,” said Rachna Singh, minister of Education and Child Care. “Ta’talu Elementary will be a safe, supportive learning space for local kids and families for years to come.”

The name Ta’talu was gifted to the school district by Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell. Derived from the SENĆOŦEN language, it translates to “little arms,” paying homage to the school’s location near Campbell River and its tributaries, which are often referred to as the little arms of the river. SENĆOŦEN is the ancestral language spoken by the Semiahmoo peoples, encapsulating the rich cultural heritage of the area.

“The opening of this school and the naming using the traditional language of the lands is great for the relationship building between Semiahmoo and the school district, students, staff and local residents,” said Chief Harley Chappell, Semiahmoo First Nation. “We’re excited to be acknowledged and share our culture with our neighbours and all the people that now call Surrey home.”

Funding was also announced for expansions at Guildford Park and Tamanawis Secondary schools. Guildford Park will be getting 18 additional classrooms with the provincial government’s investment of $59.5 million and Tamanawis will be getting 23 more classrooms with a $52 million investment.

Since September 2017, the Government of B.C. has approved $520 million for school upgrades, land purchases, school expansions, and new school construction in Surrey. These investments have resulted in more than 10,000 new student seats in the district, helping address enrolment growth in Surrey.