The new Montague Regional High School is a prime example of how government and the community can work together to find the best solution for everyone, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“Our government has shown a strong commitment to building a stronger school system across our one Island community,” said Premier Ghiz. “To build a stronger Prince Edward Island and a stronger economy we must continue to invest in our people. That’s exactly what our Government is doing, and today’s official opening is another example of our commitment to education and rural development in this province.”
The new 108,000 square-foot facility was officially opened today with all 635 students attending along with dignitaries from the community as well as local and provincial government.
“This building is a tremendous new learning space for students in South Eastern PEI,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie. “By listening to the needs and wants of the students, the community and educators, and working with community partners, this government was able to come up with a plan that has delivered a top-of-the-line facility.”
“This is a very exciting day,” said Montague High School Principal, Seana Evans-Renaud. “From day one, students were very excited about the new building and the programs that we are able to offer thanks to the new facilities. This school is a flagship in the community and will serve as a focal point for Montague for generations.”
During the grand opening events at the new Montague High School, Premier Ghiz and Mr. Currie marked the day by assisting Principal Seana Evans-Renaud with a ribbon cutting and tree planting ceremony. The province also provided each student with a sapling of their own to take home and plant to commemorate the grand opening of their school.
The new Montague High School highlights the goals of the provincial Rural Action Plan. The plan outlines the need for modern education programs and facilities as essential tools to assist with population retention and attraction, both for rural communities and the province at large. Access to diverse programs and extra-curricular activities in rural regions are essential elements in the creation of the vibrant rural communities of the future.
This school is considered to be one of the most advanced schools in the region. It is a model for trades in the province, and has state of the art career and technical education training facilities, including a modern culinary arts lab and welding and carpentry facilities. The new cafeteria/auditorium has lighting and sound systems that will allow for “theatre” productions in the cafeteria, large music rooms that allow for more practice area as well as a sound studio.
The new facility is technologically advanced and is equipped with state of the art interactive white boards, video editing and production capacity. It boasts a robotics lab, modern science and technology labs and has integrated a greater capacity to access and use technology throughout the school.
A virtual tour of the new Montague High School is also available on the government website at www.gov.pe.ca/eecd.