Smithers Secondary

Story

Smithers Secondary or SSS is a public high school in Smithers, British Columbia, part of School District 54 Bulkley Valley.HistoryThe first high school students in Smithers attended classes in the Old Scott Hall. The first one room high school was located where Muheim Memorial Elementary school now stands. Then, in 1927, a two room school house was built which accommodated approximately 60 students. As the population of Smithers steadily grew, so did the number of students. Starting in 1963, students in the junior grades were gradually moved from Smithers Secondary to Chandler Park Junior Secondary School. In 1978 Smithers Senior Secondary School was built at 4408 3rd Ave. It enrolled 400 students in Grades 10-12 and was staffed by 23 full time and 4 part time teachers. In 1981, the Grade Nine students were once again moved from Chandler Park to SSS. There was an expansive addition which also included a theatre in 2000. In 2004 "Chandler Park Middle School" closed down and Smithers Senior Secondary School became Smithers Secondary School accommodating Grades 8-12. Increasing enrolment since that time has required the School District to put up 8 portables.CurrentAs of June 2016, SSS has approximately 800 students, 60 teaching staff and 30 support staff. It has traditionally done well in several areas such as track & field, music, and wrestling, often producing provincial and national champions. The girls' wrestling team placed first at provincials in 2011.TheatreThe "Della Herman Theatre" is housed inside Smithers Secondary School and hosts theatrical, musical and dance events throughout the year. It is also the classroom for the Theatre Department in SSS so the students have hands on experience with the stage and sets.