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Education
September 6, 2013

Construction Begins on $38 Million West End High School

An exciting milestone in the history of education in St. John’s was celebrated today as the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, joined St. John’s West MHA Dan Crummell, Kilbride MHA John Dinn, as well as school district and school council representatives, for a ceremonial groundbreaking event to mark the beginning of construction of a new high school in the west end of St. John’s.

“This state-of-the art, $38 million facility will be the first new high school to be built in St. John’s in many years,” said Minister Jackman. “The city’s changing demographics, and the aging inner-city high school infrastructure, led to a decision to construct the new school, which will accommodate about 860 students in Grades 10-12. With the site work now virtually complete, I look forward to watching the building take shape.”

Marco Services Ltd. of St. John’s has been awarded a $34.1 million tender to build the school, which will replace both Booth Memorial and Bishops College. This follows earlier contracts awarded for planning, design and site work.

“I am delighted that construction is set to begin on the new high school in the west end,” said MHA Crummell. “I know how important this school will be to parents and their children. This is truly an exciting day.”

The school will have over 30 classrooms, two challenging needs suites, four science labs, two music suites, two art rooms, two applied technology (skilled trades) suites, two computer rooms, a home economics room, a large gymnasium, a fitness centre, a multi-purpose room/lunchroom; a commercial kitchen, a learning resource centre, and more.

“This announcement is great news for the students, teachers and parents who will benefit from the construction of a new school,” said MHA Dinn. “A new high school is important to this area, which continues to grow. I am pleased it is moving ahead and for government’s continued commitment to excellence in education.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides almost $102 million for new and ongoing school infrastructure projects. In the past 10 years, about $620 million has been allocated for school infrastructure throughout the province. Ten new schools have been built; nine more are in various stages of planning or construction; 12 major extensions and renovation projects have been completed, and eight more are underway.

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Photo:
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, joined students from Beaconsfield Junior High to officially mark the beginning of the construction phase of a new high school in the west end of St. John's. From left are: Kilbride MHA John Dinn, St. John's City Councillor Bruce Tilley, students Frances Winsor and Gabrielle Roche, Minister Jackman, student Jason Rumsey, St. John's West MHA Dan Crummell, student Jarrod Rumsey and Darrin Pike, Director of Education and CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. September 6, 2013.

Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Tess Burke
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-3551
tessburke@gov.nl.ca

2013 09 06             10:10 a.m.

 
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