Education
April 15, 2011

Second New Paradise School Marks Official Opening

Government representatives, school board officials, and the school community gathered at Elizabeth Park Elementary in Paradise today to celebrate the school’s grand opening, the second elementary school to open this year in that community.

“Today we celebrate not only the official opening of this new facility, but a new era of education delivery for families in the area,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “This school – and its sister school of Paradise Elementary – are two of the most modern and environmentally-friendly schools in the province. We are very proud of the design of these schools, which offer safe, clean learning environments, and also ensure students learn the value of green initiatives and energy conservation.”

Built at a cost of $15 million, the school can accommodate 525 students. It includes 24 classrooms, two music rooms, a learning resource centre, a multi-purpose room with kitchen, medical room, and other modern amenities to enhance students’ daily school experiences.

Elizabeth Park Elementary is one of four new schools constructed in the province to be heated with a ground source heat pump, meeting the objectives of the Provincial Energy Plan. As well, the school contains energy-efficient lighting, water-conservation features, and an interactive kiosk allowing students to monitor the school’s green initiatives, such as water consumption and electricity usage, and other energy performance features.

“Today is a great day for the families in Elizabeth Park and for the citizens of Paradise,” said Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North. “I want to thank the minister, government officials, fellow MHAs, the school council, administration and staff, the town council, parents, and the Eastern School District for helping to make our new school a reality. Elizabeth Park Elementary is a state-of-the-art facility and a very valuable part of the Paradise community.”

Minister Burke noted that Elizabeth Park Elementary is one of seven new schools to open in the province in a little over a year, for a combined investment of more than $93 million. Since 2004, almost $465 million has been approved for school construction, repairs and maintenance.

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Photo #1: Mount Pearl North MHA Steve Kent joins Grade 6 students Kate Rowsell and Shauna Loveless, and Kindergarten student Aaron Parsons, as they cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of Elizabeth Park Elementary in Paradise.

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2011 04 15                                                                                                   1:30 p.m.