The new $3.5 million expansion of Kinkora Regional High School was officially opened today by school, government and community representatives with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and public tours of the facility.
The new 11,800 square-foot addition includes a gymnasium, weight room, change rooms and offices, as well as a new soccer field. The 15,600 square-foot renovated area includes a new science laboratory, computer laboratory, technology room, library, music room, guidance area, seven renovated classrooms, multi-purpose room, kitchen, administration area, offices, locker rooms, teacher planning area, and elevator.
"With the completion of this project, we have a modern, safe and well-equipped school that will serve this community well for many years to come," said Premier Binns. "This project has been a true partnership between government and community from beginning to end. The many people who were involved in the planning process should be very proud of their role in the development of this fine facility we are opening today."
Education Minister Chester Gillan advised that Kinkora Regional High School is well known for its innovative spirit and caring atmosphere. "Kinkora has achieved many firsts over the years, beginning with the fact that it was the first rural high school in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Gillan.
Over the years, Kinkora Regional High School has successfully piloted several new technology programs and specialty programs such as the Agriculture Certificate Program, which enables students to graduate with a specialization in agriculture. Last year, it was selected as a member of the Network of Innovative Schools, an elite group of 85 schools across the country recognized for their innovative use of technology.
"Kinkora has never been an ordinary school, and the completed expansion and capital improvements we are celebrating today will make this great school even better," said the minister.
Principal Brenda Millar expressed appreciation for the new facilities on behalf of students and staff. "These major improvements to our school will greatly improve our teaching and learning environments, giving us much greater capacity in several key areas such as physical activity, science and technology, music and library services. In addition, the new multi-purpose room and gym will provide students with places to gather, socialize and participate in organized activities, which are very important in a quality senior school environment," said Ms. Millar.
Western School Board Chair Gary Doucette advised that the new facilities will be a tremendous asset to the school and the community. "Kinkora residents have a very long and proud tradition of community involvement in their schools, and their spirit of community and collaboration was very evident as we worked together to bring this project to fruition. Parents, board members, Home and School, the School Council, and residents can now take great satisfaction from their efforts which have resulted in a very fine facility to be enjoyed by all for years to come," said Mr. Doucette.
Kinkora Regional High School has an enrolment of 210 students in Grades 9 to 12. It draws students from Kinkora, Borden-Carleton, Bedeque, Emerald, and Middleton.
The architectural firm of Guimond and Associates designed the capital improvement project. The work was contracted to Fitzgerald and Snow, Olympia Electric, and Sherbrooke Mechanical. Construction began in the spring of 2002.
The Kinkora project is part of the provincial government's $60 million multi-year capital improvement plan to enhance the infrastructure of 10 Island schools and provide for the ongoing maintenance of all schools in PEI.