Saskatoon Celebrates Grand Opening of Joint Schools

Released on June 17, 2015

Today Education Minister Don Morgan joined Saskatoon Silver Springs MLA Ken Cheveldayoff, along with students, teachers, dignitaries and representatives from Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools to celebrate the grand opening of Holy Family Catholic School and Willowgrove Public School, as well as the integrated child care and multipurpose community facilities.  The Government of Saskatchewan has committed more than $38 million toward this innovative project.

“Our government appreciates the hard work and committment of the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division and Saskatoon Public Schools in helping to ensure that this important project became a reality for the students, teachers and entire community,” Morgan said.  “This significant investment is about providing students with environments that will encourage them to learn, while also supporting young families and the community with a child care and community space.”

The schools share land, which accommodates instructional space for both public and Catholic students for up to 1,100 students ranging from kindergarten to Grade 8.  They also share an independently operated 51-space child care facility and an additional 400 square metres for multi-purpose and gym space for student and community use.

“We are delighted that Holy Family Catholic School is now open to serve Willowgrove families as both a school and community gathering spot,” Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board Chair Diane Boyko said.  “It’s a beautiful facility that provides our students a variety of spaces to work together and to use technology – two key components of 21st century learning.  Yet it’s also a warm, welcoming building where we highlight our distinctive faith-based education and a sense of belonging for all.”

“Willowgrove School is a place of learning that will serve our students well, both today and long into the future,” Saskatoon Public Schools Board Chair Ray Morrison said.  “Saskatoon Public Schools is pleased to have been one of the partners in developing a joint-use facility that will be a gathering place not only for students but for the entire Willowgrove community.”

“I really like the open floor plan, the architectural design, and how big and personalized our classrooms are,” Willowgrove Grade 8 Student Emma Eger said.  “I also enjoy the multiple work areas, because if it’s too loud in the classroom you can go to one of these areas and become more focused on the task at hand.”

“Our school is simply awesome! What I love is how modern its style looks, with the new desks and cool building materials,” Holy Family Grade 7 Student Colin Dyck said.  “I also like how big the rooms are and how open the school is.  The colours, the light and the openness make our school a beautiful environment that encourages me to learn.”

Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $948 million toward 65 major school capital projects and numerous smaller projects such as portable classrooms and preventative maintenance and renewal.

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For more information, contact:

Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506

Donella Hoffman
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-659-7077 
Email: dhoffman@gscs.sk.ca 
Cell: 306-229-3743

Rod Drabble
Saskatoon Public Schools 
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-683-8325 
Email: drabbler@spsd.sk.ca 
Cell: 306-291-5008