Donagh Regional School, the new $3.5 million school serving the former Fort Augustus school community, was officially opened today by students, staff, parents, Eastern School District representatives and government officials.
"The Government of Prince Edward Island is proud to be a part of this official opening," said Premier Pat Binns. "We are committed to providing high quality education to students in our Island communities. This new school will serve the learning needs of students in grades 1-9 and will also provide teachers with a modern teaching facility."
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 also provide for the on-going capital maintenance of all Island schools.
The new school in Donagh is 32,000 square feet. It consists of 10 classrooms, a double gymnasium, an industrial technology area, a music area and a resource/library area. The school is situated on approximately 19 acres of land donated by Bill and Bernie Koughan.
The Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education, also participated in the official opening ceremonies this afternoon.
"We recognize that schools are at the heart of Island communities," said Minister Lantz. "This new school will provide learning opportunities for students in this region for many years to come."
Dave Mitchell, principal of the new school, said students, teachers and the community are pleased with the new facility.
"The planning process provided all stakeholders with an opportunity for input into this important project," said Mr. Mitchell. "The students and staff have been looking forward to the official opening. It provides us with an opportunity to showcase our new school."
Speaking for the Eastern School District, Chairperson Robert Clow noted, "This wonderful new school marks one more step in our march to ensure safe, clean and functional working and learning environments for all students and staff members throughout the District's 43 school communities."
The architect for the project was Bergmark Guimond Hammarlund & Jones. The general contractor was Schurman Construction Ltd.