Students and staff at Westmount Elementary will return to their school later this month after months of repairs following a suspected arson last fall.

In a message to parents and guardians on Friday, principal Roy Styles announced that the North Kamloops school will reopen Monday, March 30, immediately after Spring Break.

The reopening comes sooner than expected after contractors completed remediation work ahead of schedule.

“We know how much students, families, and staff have missed being in their school, and we can’t wait to welcome them back and come together again in our own building,” Styles said.

The school has been closed since a fire damaged the building on Oct. 26, forcing the temporary relocation of Westmount’s 11 classes.

Students were split among three host schools — Kay Bingham Elementary, Parkcrest Elementary, and George Hilliard Elementary — where they continued classes with their teachers while repairs were underway.

School district officials previously said the relocation plan prioritized keeping grade groups together and maintaining continuity for students, while also providing counselling and transportation support for families adjusting to the temporary arrangements.

Styles thanked the three schools for welcoming Westmount students and staff over the past several months.

“Their support ensured learning continued smoothly and our staff and students formed positive new connections while important restoration work took place,” he said.

The fire is still being investigated by Kamloops RCMP as a suspected arson.

District officials had previously said they were working with insurance providers and remediation teams to ensure the school building would be safe before students returned.

Styles also expressed appreciation to families for their patience throughout the disruption.

“Thank you for your patience, kindness, and partnership throughout this unexpected and challenging time,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming your children back to Westmount Elementary on March 30.”