Approximately 1,000 students on the west coast got a first glimpse of their newly renovated school this morning. Corner Brook Regional High has opened to students following an $18 million renovation.

"Students and teachers alike will be pleased with the many improvements we've made," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "The school got an extreme makeover. We basically gutted the building down to the walls. Corner Brook Regional High is now a state-of-the-art facility which has been designed to support the needs of all students and all aspects of the high school curriculum. From a commercial kitchen to a new fitness centre, this school is one of the most modern in the province."

The school has been extended to include a new gymnasium complete with change rooms; biology, chemistry and physics labs; and two skilled trades suites. Improvements include a music room as well as a multi-purpose music/theatre arts room; two computer rooms; two special education rooms and two guidance suites. The school is fully accessible and has a new roof, as well as new wiring, plumbing and plaster.

"Education is so important to our success, as individuals and as a province," said the Honourable Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West. "The success of a society rests on education, and brain power will always be the key to our growth in a competitive world. So I encourage every student of Corner Brook Regional High to take advantage of all this new facility has to offer, explore their full potential, and lead our great province to new and exciting heights."

"For students, teachers and parents, Corner Brook Regional High School is a welcomed addition to this region of the province," said the Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East. "As a former student of both Herdman Collegiate and Regina High, I am impressed with the amenities this school has to offer our students. I have no doubt that the young people who attend this new facility will benefit greatly and I look forward to the positive influence it will have on our community."

Corner Brook Regional High serves the following communities: Corner Brook, Benoit's Cove, Gallant's, Humber Valley, John's Beach, Steady Brook, Halfway Point, Mount Moriah, Little Rapids and Frenchman's Cove.

Terry Loder, MHA for Bay of Islands, said students have been looking forward to the move into the new facility. "This is an exciting day for students as they explore their new classrooms, gymnasium and all the other wonderful aspects of their new school. This redevelopment project reflects the tremendous focus being placed on improving school infrastructure across the province and I wish the students, teachers and staff a successful transition to Corner Brook Regional High." 

The Western School Board is also pleased with the opening of Corner Brook Regional High. "This is a modern facility designed to provide the very best learning opportunities for all of the students," said Donald Brown, chair of the board. "I wish to commend the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for providing this excellent facility. I wish the students, teachers, and the school community the very best in their new location."

Minister Burke said that providing safe learning environments for students is a top priority of the Provincial Government. Since work first began on this redevelopment in 2005, funding for school infrastructure has increased 500 per cent, with a budget this year of $88.8 million. In 2008-09 alone, approximately 300 maintenance projects have been funded.

"This is the largest redevelopment project we've ever undertaken," said Minister Burke. "And I know the past four years have been challenging for both teachers and students. I commend the school administration, school board, and the entire school community for their hard work in making the transition to Corner Brook Regional High a successful one."

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