StrongStart Centre

StrongStart is a free drop-in early learning program for children 5 and under and who are accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Please visit the program information on the district website to learn more about this program and how to register.

If you have further questions please contact Kacey Milligan, Administrative Assistant of Early Learning and Child Care, at 250-748-0321 ext. 320.

While George Bonner is an elementary school now, it did not begin that way. George Bonner Secondary, named in honour of Mr. George E. Bonner, a long time school trustee, was opened in the fall of 1957. Bonner opened as a high school, so that south end students from grades seven to twelve would not have to travel to Duncan to attend school. Prior to the opening of Bonner, students who wanted to continue their education at the secondary level in Duncan were often required to board there. During its first year of operation, the school served 200 students in Grades 7 to 11, with a staff of twelve guided by Mr. W. V. Allester, the school’s first principal.

In 1958-59, George Bonner already had its second Principal, Mr. Todd. The school’s first Grade 12 graduating class consisted of twelve young people. The following year, Bonner had its final Grade 12 graduating class, a group of fifteen. Shortly, the school would experience another change due to increasing enrollment and changes in the district.

During the ensuing years, George Bonner became a junior secondary school enrolling Grades 8, 9, and 10. The school was renovated on at least four occasions to accommodate its burgeoning enrollment. Mr. P. F. Owen was the principal of the school until he took a position at the School Board Office as a Director of Instruction. After Mr. Owen, a number of people took up the principalship of Bonner including Mr. S. Smyth, Mr. R. Rodman, Mr. P. Alexander and Miss E. J. Milne. While Miss Milne was the principal, the school changed from a junior secondary school to a middle school enrolling Grades 7 and 8. When Miss Milne moved to a District position, Mr. H. S. Jawanda took over the principalship and had extensive involvement in the renovation and rebuilding of the school.

Most of the George Bonner Middle School building was demolished at the beginning of July 2005 and rebuilt to include a two-story classroom wing with an atrium, a stunning multi-purpose room with theatre seating for over 300, a library, a drama room and change rooms. The part of the building that was not demolished received a seismic upgrade and extensive renovations. The beautifully designed building served the educational needs of south-end students enrolled in grade 6, 7 and 8 from 2006 to 2013. Following Mr. H.S. Jawanda’s retirement, Ms. H. Grant took the reigns providing great leadership like those before her.

In 2013 the school experienced yet another change during the restructuring of School District 79. George Bonner Middle School became an elementary school and the new home to south-end students in grades Kindergarten to Grade 7. Renamed George Bonner Elementary, the school continues to strive to create a positive school community that empowers students and promotes life-long learning.