St. John Paul II Academy in South Surrey opens Sept. 3, marking a historic milestone with an open house celebration on Sept. 7.
Doors Opening to a Long-Awaited School
After more than three decades of planning, prayer, and community effort, St. John Paul II Academy is set to welcome its first students on September 3 in South Surrey. Located at 2358 182 Street, the Catholic high school will serve families seeking faith-based education rooted in academic excellence and holistic development.
Community Invited to Celebrate
To mark the occasion, the St. John Paul II Foundation and the academy will host an open house and community barbecue on Sunday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will have the chance to tour the campus, explore classrooms, the gymnasium, athletic field, and breakout spaces, while meeting the inaugural class of students eager to share their excitement.
A Vision Decades in the Making
The project began more than 30 years ago as a community hope before becoming a formal initiative in 2013. Spearheaded by Troy Van Vliet, founder and chairman of the foundation board, the journey was sustained by the determination and sacrifices of countless families and supporters. “This has been more than a project—it has been a calling,” Van Vliet said, crediting persistence and community faith for making the school a reality.
Honouring a Global Spiritual Legacy
The academy takes its name from Pope John Paul II (1920–2005), a figure widely admired for his commitment to youth, education, and service. Beatified in 2011, the late pontiff’s legacy is intended to inspire students to grow into young men and women who are faithful, courageous, and dedicated to serving others.
Shaping Future Generations
The new institution aims to provide a strong academic foundation while fostering Catholic values, leadership, and service. For many in the Semiahmoo Peninsula and beyond, the opening of St. John Paul II Academy represents not just a school, but a generational investment in both faith and education.
