Kitsilano High School: A Century of Excellence, Creativity, and Global Connections
Kitsilano High School, celebrating over 100 years of excellence, boasts notable alumni, traditions, and a commitment to global education.
Kitsilano High School
Vancouver, BC - January 10, 2025 - Kitsilano High School, known affectionately as "Kits," is a cherished institution in Vancouver, boasting a rich history that spans over a century. The school's first iteration was established in 1917 to accommodate an influx of students from King Edward High School. A temporary school building was constructed in 1920 at Trafalgar and 12th Avenue, but the bulk of the current structure opened its doors in 1927.
In 1958, a Modernist-style addition designed by school architect Allan B. Wilson was added to the south side of the original building. In 1973 a single storey concrete structure was added on the southeast corner of the site. In 2010 the school board approved a plan to improve earthquake safety, ensuring that this historic building remains a secure environment for students and staff.
A year later, the provincial government announced a $57.8 million restoration project that included seismic upgrades and new construction meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Standards. Construction began on the south east corner in 2014. This involved the removal of the tennis and volleyball courts. The new academic wing was completed in the summer of 2015 and the school's renovations were finished by fall 2017.
With a commitment to fostering academic excellence, Kitsilano High has nurtured an impressive list of notable alumni, including Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Joshua Jackson. Reynolds, celebrated for his role in "Deadpool," and Jackson, famous for "Dawson’s Creek," are just two examples of the influential figures who have walked the halls of Kits. The school also boasts accomplished athletes such as Olympians Donna Gilmore, Kathleen Heddle, and George Athans.
The traditions at Kitsilano High are rich and enduring. The school's first Latin students selected "Fiat Lux" (Let there be light) as the official motto, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge. School colors, royal blue and gold, instill a sense of pride among students and alumni. Adding to this heritage is the official school song, “Hail Kitsilano,” penned in 1936 by then-band teacher Ivor Parfitt. This beloved jingle continues to be sung at school events, fostering community spirit. "Hail, Kitsilano, hail, gold and blue, sing we thy praises, all thy sons to thee are true."
Kitsilano High School also values global education, regularly organizing student exchange programs with countries such as Germany and Japan, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures. In Germany, they would visit Ingolstadt, home of Audi, about half way between Munich and Nurnberg. In Japan, it was Nagasaki, Kyoto, Osaka. With its vibrant community and commitment to excellence, Kitsilano High School remains an extraordinary place for students to learn, grow, and prepare for their future endeavors.
Elke Porter is the Editor of Westcoast German News Media, connecting you to the rich tapestry of German culture in the Pacific Northwest. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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