Surrey Students Roll Out a Warm Welcome for Classmates Displaced by School Fire

Students at Regent Road Elementary School in Surrey greeted their new classmates with handmade signs and cheers this week as more than 250 students from nearby Woodland Park Elementary arrived to attend classes there temporarily.

The Woodland Park students will remain at Regent Road at least until March Break, while repairs are carried out following a fire that damaged the main building at their school over the weekend. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and police say there is currently no indication it was suspicious.

“This is a big day and an exciting day,” said Darien Russell, principal of Regent Road Elementary. “The students are excited, the staff are excited.”

Regent Road Elementary, which opened about five years ago and currently enrolls roughly 340 students, has not yet reached full capacity. According to the Surrey School Board, the school was able to accommodate about half of the displaced Woodland Park students.

Some Woodland Park students are continuing to attend classes on their own campus in areas unaffected by the fire, including modular classrooms. Others are being transported by bus to Regent Road, located approximately 15 minutes away.

Parents say the transition has been emotional but uplifting. Regent Road parent Tania Janjua said her heart goes out to families impacted by the fire.

“I can only imagine how difficult it’s been for the children, the families, and the staff,” she said.

Students at Regent Road took an active role in welcoming their new peers. One student, Angelina Ailenbuade, helped create signs to greet the arriving students.

“We did this so they can feel welcome,” she said. “There are so many nice people here to help them.”

School board officials praised the swift response and cooperation shown across the school community.

“The story today is about community,” said Shauna Ross, an assistant superintendent with the Surrey School Board. “It’s about how Surrey schools have come together to support students, staff, and families during a challenging time.”

Repairs at Woodland Park Elementary are expected to continue over the coming weeks. Until then, educators say maintaining routine, connection, and a sense of belonging remains the top priority for all students involved.