Premier Pat Binns and Education Minister Mildred Dover unveiled a plaque today to officially open the renovation and expansion of Bluefield High School.
During the first phase of construction at Bluefield in 2000, eight new classrooms and an administrative area were added at a cost of $2 million. The latest $6 million phase, completed in August 2004, included the addition of new career exploration and trades training facilities, as well as major renovations to the gym and school interior.
At the official opening, Premier Binns acknowledged the patience and cooperation of students and staff during the construction period. “With your support, many enhancements have been made to the school including new science labs, music and art rooms, an updated gymnasium and new career exploration facilities that will undoubtedly improve learning at Bluefield. Your teachers are introducing some innovative new teaching and learning strategies, and this makes our $8 million investment in infrastructure and equipment all the more worthwhile,” said Premier Binns.
Minister Dover said Bluefield combines many elements that make a good school. “The school culture has a primary emphasis on academic excellence, which is complemented by comprehensive instructional and intramural physical education programs and fantastic art and music programs. Bluefield now has modern and well-equipped trades training facilities and career exploration programs that introduce students to a variety of career choices before they leave high school,” she said.
Principal Dale McIsaac said teachers can now offer students broader learning opportunities. “With the new career exploration facilities, students are using technology to learn about the skills they need to go on to post-secondary education and training,” he said. “They are also gaining a much greater appreciation for the importance of literacy and numeracy by using computers to learn things like digital imaging and the mathematics of drafting.”
Approximately 835 students attend Bluefield High School in Hampshire. Opened in 1978, the school serves the area from the north shore to the south shore and from Tryon to North River. Bluefield students come from Gulf Shore, Englewood and East Wiltshire schools.
BACKGROUNDER
Phase One:
- Total cost, $2 million
- 15,000 square foot addition
- 8 new classrooms
- Special education area
- Art room
- Work rooms
- New administration office area
- New parking area
- New main entrance to the school
- Renovations to lockers, washrooms and the teacher’s lounge.
Phase Two:
- Total cost, $6 million
- 12,000 square foot addition
- New equipment purchases of $420,000 (Industrial technology $84,000; Science labs $52,000; Information technology $100,000)
- Expanded area where students learn woodworking, industrial technology, automotive and welding
- Expanded visual arts area
- 3 renovated science labs
- New music room, rehearsal rooms and music teacher office
- New computer rooms
- Additional classroom
- New multi-purpose offices
- New cafeteria, kitchen and stage area including exterior patio
- Expanded library and classrooms
- Renovated food and sewing labs
- New hardwood gym floor
- Renovated squash and racketball courts
- New elevator
- Renovated main entry lobby
- New mechanical room and bus fuel supply depot.