Official Opening for Sir John A. Macdonald High School

Students, staff and elected officials joined Education minister Karen Casey for the official opening of Sir John A. Macdonald High School today, Oct. 20.

The new $17-million school is designed to accommodate up to 1,100 students. There are currently 953 students enrolled at Sir John A. It replaces an earlier school by the same name in Hubley, which is now called Five Bridges Junior High School.

"We have heard a lot from students about the improvements and opportunities this school offers. Students have remarked how much they love the new, larger gymnasium, the outdoor basketball court and the cafetorium," said Ms. Casey.

Approved for construction in June 2004, the new school was designed by the architectural firm of Fowler Bauld and Mitchell, and was built by Rideau Construction.

"The opening of this beautiful school marks a new beginning for Sir John A. Macdonald High, providing students and staff with a fresh, modern learning environment," said Deborah Brunt, Halifax Regional School Board member for district 11. "It's a school with an unimpeded view of St. Margaret's Bay and, more importantly, a view to the future."

"I know students who attend Sir John A. Macdonald now and in years to come will be a credit to the many hours of hard work that went into this school," said Ms. Brunt.

The education minister said Sir John A. Macdonald High School is part of the government's multi-year, $400-million school construction plan.

"This government will continue to invest in the public school system. We are providing better schools, hundreds of new teachers, thousands of new computers and more than a million more books," said Ms. Casey.

Today's event at Sir John A. Macdonald High School is one of three ceremonies planned for 2006. Barrington Municipal High School will officially open later this month. The completion of extensive renovations at Central Kings Rural High School will be celebrated in December.

FOR BROADCAST:

The newest school in the Halifax Regional Municipality was opened today (October 20th) by Education Minister Karen Casey.

Sir John A. Macdonald High School is home to 953 students

now but the school can accommodate eleven hundred students.

The new 17-million-dollar school is part of the government's

multi-year, 400-million dollar school construction plan.

Ms. Casey says the government will continue to invest in the

public school system, providing better schools, hundreds of new

teachers, thousands of new computers and a million more books.