After years of delays and setbacks, the newly constructed St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary School (SJAM) in north-end Halifax is set to welcome students and staff. Officials conducted a tour of the school ahead of its opening day, highlighting its fully accessible design, which includes ramps, ample natural light, enhanced security measures, and significant communal learning spaces. This construction marks the culmination of a long journey for the local community, particularly after the original school was demolished in 2022.

For the past year, students were temporarily relocated to the former Beaufort School building in the south end, experiencing numerous challenges during this transition. Parents expressed their frustrations with the temporary facility, which suffered from pest control issues, mould problems, and inadequate space for the number of students. Despite these difficulties, the Halifax-Needham MLA Suzy Hansen recognized the parents' resilience and adaptability in navigating these challenges, which have included adjusted routines and longer commutes for their children.

With the new school opening, the community hopes to build a positive educational environment free from the disruptions encountered in previous years. The school not only symbolizes the direct needs of the local population but also represents a long-awaited return to normalcy for students and their families. As the opening approaches, there is an optimistic sense of anticipation within Halifax's north end, as this educational establishment reaffirms the commitment to providing quality schooling for its children.