Released on September 26, 2017
Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre joined students, teachers, dignitaries and representatives from the Saskatoon Public School Division to celebrate the grand opening of Colette Bourgonje School in the Saskatoon Rosewood neighbourhood.“Like all 21 new schools we’re celebrating in Saskatchewan this fall, opening Colette Bourgonje School was important for our government as we respond to the needs of students and families in this growing city and province,” Eyre said. “These will be great learning environments for students and early learners here in Rosewood for many years to come.”
Colette Bourgonje, along with friends and family, also took part in the celebration. Bourgonje is a 10-time Paralympic athlete and a former teacher with Saskatoon Public Schools.
“We are proud to open a school named after an exemplary teacher and athlete,” Saskatoon Public Schools’ Board Chair Ray Morrison said. “We know the Rosewood community will continue to grow with the school and make it the heart of the community.”
“Our school has a unique opportunity because our namesake – a Paralympian and well-respected educator – has already visited our school and even raised the flags out front,” Colette Bourgonje School Principal Nicola Bishop-Yong said. “We look forward to learning from Colette’s example, introducing her to our students and building our learning community together.”
Colette Bourgonje School can accommodate up to 750 students at full design capacity. The School makes up one half of a joint-use school with St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic School.
It’s part of the P3 Joint-Use Schools Project that includes 18 publically owned elementary schools built at nine joint-use sites in Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman and Regina.
One of the innovative features that can be seen in many of the joint-use schools includes outdoor learning spaces that bring learning to life and integrate nature into the school. The gathering places incorporate seating, teaching platforms and natural elements to explore.
Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $1.5 billion toward 67 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:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506
Veronica Baker
Saskatoon Public Schools
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-683-8325
Email: bakerv@spsd.sk.ca
Cell: 306-220-1649