Sylvia Fedoruk, Ernest Lindner, Colette Bourgonje and Chief Whitecap chosen as new school names

Four new Saskatoon schools will be named after prominent local figures (clockwise, from top left) Sylvia Fedoruk, Ernest Lindner, Colette Bourgonje and Chief Whitecap, the public school division announced Tuesday night. (supplied)

Four new elementary schools in Saskatoon now have official names.

The Saskatoon Board of Education approved the names — Sylvia Fedoruk School, Ernest Lindner School, Colette Bourgonje School and Chief Whitecap School — at a meeting Tuesday night.

“The legacy of each of these four individuals represents the priorities of our school division, not to mention that they set an inspiring example for the students who will learn and grow in these new schools,” board chair Ray Morrison said in a media release.

“Sylvia Fedoruk was not only a pioneering female physicist, but also a selfless community advocate and successful athlete. Ernest Lindner is the father of arts education in Saskatoon Public Schools and a nationally recognized artist. Colette Bourgonje is the epitome of perseverance, having won 10 Paralympic medals and completing much of her training while a teacher with Saskatoon Public Schools. Chief Whitecap was one of the founders of Saskatoon and now, along with John Lake School, both founders are rightfully honoured.”

Members of the public submitted name suggestions and division officials and board members selected the final four.

The Sylvia Fedoruk School will open in Saskatoon’s Evergreen neighbourhood, while the Ernest Lindner School, Colette Bourgonje School and Chief Whitecap School will open in the city’s Hampton Village, Rosewood and Stonebridge areas, respectively.

All four are slated for opening in September 2017.