Education
December 18, 2006

High School Enters Final Phase of Development

The development of a state of the art high school for students, teachers and families of Corner Brook and the surrounding area has reached a milestone and will now enter the final phase of construction.

�This is a tremendous project for the educational system of Corner Brook,� said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for the District of Humber West. �This high school is an excellent example of the many exciting things happening in the education system today and the investments of this government to make sure students across our province are given every opportunity to succeed. It is wonderful to see this particular project move into the next and final phase of development.�

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, reported today that Phase I and II of the Corner Brook High School project, which included construction of the building envelope for the new gymnasium, internal demolition work and asbestos abatement have been substantially completed.

�At this time, I am also pleased to report that the final phase of the project has been expanded to include a second skilled trade suite and extra storage capacity, to accommodate the new Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology Program,� said Minister Burke. �This will allow a greater number of students to take these new courses. As a result, students interested in this area of study will be better prepared to pursue post-secondary studies in the skilled trades which, in today�s environment, are very much in demand. It is also reflective of the work of the Skills Task Force and government�s agenda to develop and promote skilled trades across the province.�

The addition to the project is the result of a funding request from the Western School District for an expanded floor plan to ensure ample space for the skilled trades program and all related technology and equipment.

In November 2005, work began on the redevelopment of Herdman Collegiate into a modern, well-equipped facility to serve students from both Herdman and Regina high schools. During construction, students from both schools are being taught at the old Regina site. �Students, teachers, and administrators have come together into a single school community, proudly displaying their new school colors, black and gold and the Titans as the chosen name for their sports teams,� said the Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for the District of Humber East. �The high school students of Corner Brook can look forward to a school that is second to none in the province,� said Minister Burke.
Upon completion, anticipated for September 2008, the school will not only boast superior skilled trades suites, but expanded curriculum and the highest quality physical education facility and fitness centre. �Government is moving ahead with many new school projects in communities across the province, such as Baie Verte, Torbay, Mobile and most recently, Placentia. We have also dramatically increased funding for maintenance and renovations of our existing schools. Approximately $16 million was allocated in 2005 for a major maintenance and repair initiative and this year, the budget for capital and maintenance has been increased to an unprecedented $37.5 million. This is an increase in excess of $13 million over average expenditures of the last 10 years for capital and maintenance in our K-12 facilities.�

In addition, programming has seen a tremendous boost, with new skilled trade courses, new computers and technology courses, and new physical education equipment, just to name a few. Corner Brook High School is an example of our investments in education and is an important cornerstone to the foundation of success we are building for our students,� said Minister Burke.

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