Executive Council
Education and Early Childhood Development
Transportation and Works
September 3, 2015, 2015
Building Strong School Communities
New St. John’s High School to Open for this School Year
The new $39.5 million Waterford Valley High School in St. John’s is in the final stages of completion and will open for classes next week. This modern facility will be home to over 850 students.
“Access to well-developed educational infrastructure is key to attracting and retaining people to our province and it supports our government’s long-term vision of population growth. I want to thank everyone who has helped make Waterford Valley High School a reality and I wish all the students and teachers who will walk these halls great success in the coming school years. They will create many memories and form the foundation for a new school community.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The new school has over 30 classrooms, two instructional resource suites, four science labs, two music suites, two art rooms, two skilled trades suites, two computer rooms, home economics room, gymnasium, fitness centre, multi-purpose room/lunchroom, commercial kitchen, learning resource centre, and more. An official opening of the school will take place this fall.
“Over the past number of years, our government has made investments in new schools and upgrades. Waterford Valley High is the latest example of our focus on improving educational infrastructure. Although this building is a new structure, it is bringing together many of the established traditions, school spirit and culture of its predecessors. I look forward to the coming school year and seeing new friendships and traditions established.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
The school is located on Topsail Road and replaces both Bishops College and Booth Memorial High School.
“The construction of this new high school is a significant project and is a part of our overall provincial infrastructure planning. The new Waterford Valley High is one of many major school construction and renovation projects that support school communities and families, as well as economic activity and long-term prosperity for the province.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
The school has been designed to meet the requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver level certification. Some of the LEED elements featured in Waterford Valley High are an energy efficient HVAC system using ground source heat pumps and occupancy sensors, charging stations for electric vehicles and a 30 per cent water reduction system.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see this new high school become a reality. I know how important this school is to students, teachers and parents of the area and I am certain that the education students receive and the friendships they will create will stay with them a lifetime. Waterford Valley High School is an integral investment in our students and our community.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA of St. John’s West
To support the multi-year education infrastructure development plan, over $95 million is allocated through Budget 2015 for K-12 infrastructure.
“The new Waterford Valley High is a tremendous addition to the school infrastructure of our province, particularly in St. John’s. The coming together of two school communities will lead to a vibrant student population, create an exceptional learning environment and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. I welcome all students and staff and look forward to the inaugural year which will lead to the creation of a school culture based on student growth, respect and success.”
- Milton Peach, Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board
Since 2004, 14 new schools have been opened; 11 more are in various stages of planning or construction; 30 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, with 10 more underway; and approximately 1,930 repairs and maintenance projects have been approved.
QUICK FACTS
- The new $39.5 million Waterford Valley High School is in the final stages of completion for opening next week.
- The school includes over 30 classrooms, two instructional resource suites, four science labs, two music suites, two art rooms, two skilled trades suites, two computer rooms, home economics room, gymnasium, fitness centre, multi-purpose room/lunchroom, commercial kitchen, learning resource centre, and more.
- The school will accommodate over 850 students and it replaces Bishops College and Booth Memorial High School.
- Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested more than $731 million in K-12 infrastructure to ensure students and teachers continue to enjoy safe and healthy learning environments.
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Media contacts:
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Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
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Blair Medd Director of Communication Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 634-5267 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca |
Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 JacquelynHoward@gov.nl.ca |
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Linda Walsh Communications Government Members Office 709-729-0898 lindajwalsh@gov.nl.ca |
Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Newfoundland and Labrador English School District 709-758-2371, 730-0798 kenmorrissey@nlesd.ca |
2015 09 03 2:20 p.m.