The new $2.5 million addition to Summerside Intermediate School was officially opened today by students, staff, parents, Western School Board representatives and government officials.
"This new addition at Summerside Intermediate School provides students and staff with state-of-the-art facilities," said Premier Pat Binns. "The Government of Prince Edward Island is proud to be a partner in phase one of this capital construction project."
The Government of Prince Edward Island began its $43 million Capital Construction Plan for schools in 1997/98. The plan is a multi-year strategy to enhance the infrastructure of 10 Island schools and provide for the on-going maintenance of all schools in PEI.
The new addition at Summerside Intermediate is 22,000 square feet. It consists of six new classrooms, a music room, industrial arts and applied technology area, two multi-purpose rooms and a teachers' lounge.
The Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education, participated in the official opening ceremony and toured the new addition with students.
"It is clear that students and staff will benefit from the capital improvements at Summerside Intermediate," said Minister Lantz. "Generations of students will have the opportunity to receive their education in this improved facility. The new classrooms, music room and industrial technology area would be the envy of any school in North America."
Glenn Edison, principal of the school, said completion of the new addition was the result of the dedication of a number of partners.
"In addition to providing much needed facilities, this project has illustrated the commitment of parents and community members," said Mr. Edison. "By working together with government and the school board, we were able to make this dream a reality."
Phase two of the Summerside Intermediate project will consist of further renovations. Planning for phase two is already underway with construction scheduled to begin in Spring 2002.
Speaking for the Western School Board, Chair Lorraine Robinson noted, "We look forward to the next phase of construction and wish to express our appreciation to government for the commitment. The learning environment students are exposed to is critical to their ability to make the most of their capabilities. This new addition will provide that environment. On behalf of the trustees we wish the students and staff every success in this new addition."