October 15, 1999
(Executive Council)

Premier officially opens Lakeside Academy in Buchans

Premier Brian Tobin and Anna Thistle, president of Treasury Board, today officially opened Lakeside Academy in Buchans. This school is the first of the 19 major school construction projects currently underway in the province - including the construction of 12 new schools and the complete redevelopment of seven others to be completed.

"Lakeside Academy is the newest and most modern school in the province and is a shining example of a state-of-the-art facility which will set the standard for the education system in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Premier Brian Tobin. "The construction of this building is part of the most significant school construction program undertaken in our province since confederation and comprises part of government's $125 million investment into new school facilities throughout the province," added Premier Tobin.

Lakeside Academy's special features are setting the trend for the province's schools. The school's local-area computer network facilitates the electronic transfer and sharing of information throughout classrooms, specialty areas, the resource centre, the general office and the staff room. Lakeside is one of the first schools in the province equipped with a special suite designed to meet the instructional and personal-care needs of students with physical and learning disabilities. Every area of the school is accessible to people with physical disabilities.

The energy-efficient building is also equipped with the latest in heating and ventilation systems to ensure good air quality and a healthy learning environment. The future needs of students and teachers was an important component of the architectural design.

"In keeping with government's Strategic Social Plan, the building was designed not only to serve the educational requirements of Buchans, Millertown and Buchans-Junction, but to be an integral part of the community-life of the towns as well. The floor plan was designed to facilitate extensive use of the gymnasium, library and other areas by community groups without encumbrance to normal school operations," said Anna Thistle, MHA for Grand Falls-Buchans. "I am very pleased that government was able to fund not only the construction of Lakeside Academy, the surrounding landscaping, but also the fenced area that ensures students in the primary grades can play in safety," added Ms. Thistle.

Media contact:

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3960

David Wells
Office of the Minister
(709) 729-6830

1999 10 13                          4:50 p.m.