Our History

Brent Kennedy is located about three-quarters of a kilometer north of the Slocan Valley Junction on Highway 3A. In the latter part of the seventies, the lower Slocan Valley had three elementary schools: Slocan Park Elementary, Crescent Valley Elementary and South Slocan Elementary. These schools enrolled between 230 and 240 pupils, most of who were bussed because of unequal population distribution in relation to school accommodation. At that time, the Nelson School District had to decide whether to make major improvements to existing schools or abandon the old buildings and build one central school. The latter plan was chosen and a school consisting of eight classrooms, one kindergarten room, a gymnasium, central library and administrative area was built. 

Selection of a school site took several months because of lack of suitable land. Eventually a site of six acres was purchased from Mrs. Lena Kennedy. Mrs. Kennedy donated an additional four and one-half acres of land as a memorial to her son Brent, an RCMP officer who was killed in a highway mishap between Radium and Banff. Constable Kennedy spent most of his life in this community, attending local schools before enlisting in the RCMP. It was most fitting that the new school should be named after the man who was so liked and respected in our community. 

On October 20, 1977, the three lower Slocan Valley Schools and the Kindergarten class, which had been housed at the neighbouring Mt. Sentinel Secondary School, were moved under one roof. 

During the 1992/93 school year Brent Kennedy underwent major renovations and expansion. The $2 million project started in late July 1992 and finished in June 1993. Added to the school were four new classrooms. Existing rooms were remodeled to create a new computer room, a learning support room and a gym that almost doubled in size. The kindergarten room was modernized and expanded. We also received a huge covered area at our main entrance. 

As a member of our school community you are part of a school family which includes approximately 225 students and their families, teachers, administration, teaching assistants, and support staff. 

Brent Kennedy is an exciting place to be. Everyone here is treated as a unique individual who has special qualities to contribute to our school's learning environment. Our hope for students is that their time at Brent Kennedy will be meaningful to them and it feels like their home away from home.  Students are encouraged to become involved in all aspects of school life so they can have a rich and memorable experience at Brent Kennedy. 

We are glad that you are here!