Brookland Elementary Officially Opens

Students joined together with educators, community members and government today, Feb. 7, to officially open Brookland Elementary School in Sydney.

The Primary to Grade 6 facility welcomed more than 500 students last September, replacing Colby, Sacred Heart, and St. Joseph schools.

"Brookland is a wonderful school," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "The students and staff have brought the spirit of the three predecessor schools to a fine new building with all the modern amenities.

"There's no better example of that spirit than the money they've raised for the regions hit by the tsunami in South Asia -- $2,300 and counting."

Darlene Morrison, chair of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, said Brookland holds great promise for children in the area.

"I am convinced that this new school will allow everyone -- students, teachers, parents and the community -- the opportunity to find answers, to discuss and share problems, and to work together for the ultimate goal of a thorough education for every child," she said.

The participants marked the event by unveiling a commemorative plaque. Student performers provided entertainment.

The school is home to 24 classrooms, a spacious gym, an art room, a music room, and a multi-media room. It devotes 3,716 square metres (40,000 square feet) to teaching and learning with space for storage and support.

The new school is part of an eight-year, $400-million investment by the province in its children. It was built at a cost of almost $11 million.