Released on October 20, 2017
Today students, staff, families and community members joined the Government of Saskatchewan and Regina Public Schools to officially open École Connaught Community School in Regina. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed $21 million toward the project.“Our government is proud to have supported the construction of this remarkable new school and to celebrate the opening with the entire community,” Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “École Connaught Community School is the result of hard work and commitment from Regina Public Schools, the school community council and the community at large. These partners deserve to be applauded for coming together to help build a school that is innovative, supports the needs of students and families, and respects the rich history of the former school building.”
“The new École Connaught Community School is proof that great things can happen when a community works together,” Regina Public Schools Board Chair Katherine Gagne said. “This new building brings together the hopes and aspirations of the students, staff and the Cathedral neighbourhood community in a beautiful new school building that respects and honours its history, and celebrates learning for the future.”
Many of the architectural components reflect characteristics of the previous school, including the tyndall stone and brick on the exterior. The interior is highlighted by Heritage Hall, which pays homage to the former building. It includes a heritage wall that was constructed using the original bricks and is lined with pictures and plaques that tell the story of the school’s history dating back to 1912 and a column base, which sits close to its original location.
The school adds more than 10,000 square feet of space and contains many modern features such as integrated amphitheater seating in Heritage Hall, 17 new classrooms, a large gymnasium, resource centre, two multipurpose rooms for student and community use, a rooftop terrace that serves as an outdoor learning space, and a 51 space child care centre.
“The opening of this school is a dream come true!” École Connaught Community School Principal Lori Daelick said. “I am honoured to say that our students are home in Cathedral, learning in a centre that respects the historic roots of our school, while providing incredible opportunities to meet the needs of our 21st century learners and beyond. Our motto ‘Community of Excellence’ permeates the halls and hearts of Connaught Comet leaders.”
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
Terry Lazarou
Regina Public Schools
Regina
Phone: 306-523-3133
Email: terry.lazarou@rbe.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-1657