New St. John Paul II Academy Opens Doors to South Surrey Community

A new Catholic high school, St. John Paul II Academy, officially opened its doors in South Surrey during an open house event on September 3, 2023. The academy welcomed local families and community members to explore its newly completed facilities, which feature modern architecture and a spacious layout designed to support a vibrant educational environment.

Guests were greeted by a statue of St. John Paul II, the school’s patron saint, which stands at the entrance with the inscription “Be not afraid.” This welcoming presence set the tone for an event that included refreshments, a barbecue, and guided tours of the school, which began classes with approximately 140 students.

Foundation and Future Growth

The establishment of St. John Paul II Academy has been a project of the St. John Paul II Academy Foundation, which has spent years planning and developing this educational facility. Founder and chairman of the Foundation board, Troy Van Vliet, spoke at the event about the academy’s potential, mentioning that it will eventually accommodate up to 540 students. He noted that some areas, including lower-level classrooms and a planned artist space and theatre, remain under construction.

Van Vliet highlighted the necessity of the new school in the region, emphasizing the disparity in Catholic high school availability. He pointed out that while Vancouver has around 55,000 students in K-12 education served by only four Catholic high schools, the city of Surrey has 85,000 children in K-12 with just one existing Catholic high school, Holy Cross.

A Testament to Community Effort

The completion of the academy faced numerous challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. Reflecting on the journey, Van Vliet stated, “This has been more than a project — it has been a calling. Through prayer, persistence, and the unwavering support of our Catholic families and community, St. John Paul II Academy is now a reality.” His remarks underscored the collective effort that brought the academy to fruition.

The design of the school promotes an open and collaborative atmosphere. Featuring garage-style doors that connect classrooms to a common courtyard, the layout encourages interaction and engagement among students. The facility also includes a library, athletic fields, and a gymnasium, reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive education.

While the academy is rooted in the Catholic tradition, Van Vliet emphasized inclusivity, stating that students of all faiths are welcome. “We’re a Catholic school but we have many non-Catholics as well,” he explained. “We promote reverence for life, and that’s going to show going forward. We’ve also established a strong learning support resource centre in the school.”

Located at 2358 182 Street, St. John Paul II Academy represents a significant addition to the South Surrey educational landscape, poised to serve families and students in the community for years to come.