Residents in the mountain community of Field, B.C., are concerned about the future after their children’s school has shut down – permanently.
Wednesday was the last day of classes for students at Field’s K-3 school, where enrollment has been suffering for some time.
The school used to have 120 kids, but now only three remain.
Abby Lay, Thomas Cais and Axel Cameron are the only students still at the school for the final day.
The community is sad to see the school close, despite understanding why it had to happen.
“Who wouldn’t miss this?” said Rebecka Riddell-McKay, the school teacher. “This has been a wonderful, wonderful year.
“I can understand the reasons why we are closing the school – it does make sense.”
Nevertheless, residents are concerned about what it means for the community’s growth.
“Families that are having young babies may have to just leave if they are not happy putting their kids on the school bus,” said Kim Chapman.
Axel’s mom, Caitlin, may just be one of those parents. “I don’t think that I will decide to live in Field over the next 10 years.”
The kids are excited to go to a bigger school in Golden next year, but are also sad to see the school close down.
“Four years of going to this school and I still love it here,” said Abby. “I just hate to see it all go.”
Starting next year, the kids will be bussed 45 minutes down the Trans-Canada highway to their new school.
(With files from Kevin Green)
