The future is bright for the students and staff of Notre Dame High School (NDHS) in Bonnyville, after the provincial government announced a new modernization project for the facility last week.
On Jan 28, Bonnyville-Cold Lake MLA Genia Leskiw announced, on behalf of Education Minister Jeff Johnson, that the long-serving high school will be receiving upgrades and a partial addition.
“We are working to make certain that students in our communities, today and long into the future, continue to have the world-class school facilities they deserve,” said Leskiw.
“School modernization and renewal is an excellent example of our government's Building Alberta Plan and its responsible, strategic focus. Making best use of existing space and investing wisely ensures our Bonnyville students benefit from having the most modern, up-to-date facility possible.”
Staff, students, Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) trustees and Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski were on hand for the announcement, which took place in the NDHS gymnasium.
The project will include upgrades to the career and technology studies lab, as well as “relocating the main office and adding space to increase the size of the school's gymnasium.
“We are thrilled by this announcement. There was so much work that was done to build up to this day. Really we are just beginning the journey,” said NDHS Principal Pamela Guilbault. “We are not sure what this looks like, but right now we are just really ecstatic about moving forward.”
Over the past few years several different government officials have toured the facility after much prodding from LCSD trustees.
“We are here to celebrate the accomplishment of a big step that has taken 10 or more years to reach,” said LCSD board chair Mary Anne Penner. “This announcement follows the parade of ministers of education and infrastructure through this facility to highlight its deficiencies. We will now begin to work on reaching this transformation in this school which will address the changing demands of education and of our students.”
LCSD Superintendent Joe Arruda sent out a special thank you to past superintendent Bernadette Provost, who, according to Arruda, had been advocating for renovations to NDHS from “as far back as 2004”.
According to Arruda, the growth of Bonnyville over the past few years has led to a dramatic increase in enrollment at NDHS, something the government appears to have decided to address.
“They have realized that with the economic boom in full force in this area, enrollment in this school is increasing. In fact, over the last two years enrollment at this school has increased by over 15 per cent,” said Arruda.
The provincial government recently made similar announcements throughout the province, committing to modernize 120 schools throughout Alberta.
A time frame and expected costs for the NDHS project have yet to be announced.
“This is just a blessing for Notre Dame High School. The student have been waiting a really long time. The need is great,” said Guildbault. “So we look forward to a future that is full of promise for the students and the community of Bonnyville.”
