Ceremony Marks Official Opening of Port Hope Simpson School

Students, staff and parents at Bayside Academy welcomed visitors to Port Hope Simpson today (Friday, September 14) to mark the official opening of the new $10.3 million K-12 school in the town.

“The entire school community has been looking forward to an opportunity to officially celebrate the opening of this new school and all it has to offer,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Students are enjoying the highest quality teaching and learning in their new school, with state-of-the-art educational resources, and I am pleased to be here today to mark this very special occasion.”

The school, which first opened its doors in September 2011, includes a gymnasium with a stage and fitness centre, a music room, a skilled trades and distance education space, a library/computer room, a kitchen/canteen/home economics room, a guidance suite, and a fenced area for primary students. Upgrades have also been made to the road leading to the school.

“The opening of this ultra-modern school in Port Hope Simpson is another major accomplishment under our Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Our government will continue to focus on the needs of Labradorians as we work together to build a stronger Labrador for ourselves and our children.”

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of leading by example with respect to improving energy efficiency and, as such, Bayside Academy was designed following the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system, and in accordance with the Provincial Energy Plan. Designed to incorporate new, environmentally-friendly initiatives, it features energy efficient and occupancy-based heating, lighting and ventilation control, as well as water conserving features. Students are also able to monitor the school’s green initiatives through an interactive kiosk displaying the school’s environmental and energy efficient features.

Approximately 70 students attend Bayside Academy.

“Bayside Academy was designed to enhance the learning opportunities and optimize achievement for all students in the Port Hope Simpson area,” said Don Brown, Chair of the Western School Board. “The Western School Board thanks the Provincial Government for its significant investment in education throughout the Western School District, and especially for this new facility. I wish the students, staff and community the very best in this new school.”

Since 2004, about $567 million has been allocated for school infrastructure throughout the province. Nine new schools have opened; 10 more are in various stages of planning or construction; 12 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, and seven more are underway or in the planning stages. In addition, more than 1,700 repairs and maintenance projects have been undertaken. This level of infrastructure investments is unprecedented in the province’s history.

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2012 09 14                            1:15 p.m.