Grins were from ear to ear on the faces of St. Anthony’s teachers on Friday as they were handed keys to the new school. The grins certainly did not dissipate on Monday as they set about unpacking and arranging their new classrooms in anticipation of students arriving today (Wednesday).
For Principal Tim Gregorash, who has been at St. Anthony’s for 31 years, and 10 years as principal, it is a dream come true.
“I have been to a lot of different schools in the province and even in our own school division and the kids have been given opportunities our kids haven’t because we did not have the facility,” said Gregorash. “This new school gives us that ability to offer those things we were never able to in the past.”
As busy as the teachers were on Monday, so were contractors, putting on the finishing touches to the school in preparation of opening. Students and parents were given the opportunity on Monday and Tuesday evening to have a tour of the facility, and for many it was literally a jaw dropping experience.
The school is attractive and durable, with a colour scheme to boost school pride and is built to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver designation creating real efficiencies. Beyond the shell, for Gregorash it is the opportunity to expand its curriculum that excites him.
“We have a shop, a beautiful foods lab, the gym is gorgeous. We have bleachers in the gym so people can actually sit and watch games. We have Padua Hall, which is a student gathering area that can also be used for plays because it is tied into our drama area. Everything about the school is modern and so well laid out and designed,” said Gregorash. “I can’t stop smiling, it has been a long time coming.”
Heading out from his new office there is a bounce in his step as he leads an impromptu tour. His descriptions of all the building details focus on its functionality and its usefulness to students. While the gymnasium is a showcase piece, his excitement comes from the school’s ability to offer daily physical activity. The new music room is designed with acoustics in mind and serves as a backstage to the drama room. The drama room opens into a stage off of Padua Hall, which can easily be converted into a theatre, which could hold 160 students in bleachers. Natural light floods the area creating efficiencies as well as an environment of serenity. Nestled in the corner of Padua Hall is a small chapel.
“This is a place to take the kids to pray. It talks about who we are as a community,” said Gregorash.
The west wing of the school houses the junior and senior high school classrooms. The shop area allows students to take on building construction, plumbing, and welding and even small engine repair. There are two computer labs in the school to supplement its portable labs, and the entire school is connected wirelessly.
There is a home economics lab, which has functional kitchen labs as well as a fashion and sewing area to offer even more programming.
There is also a dedicated student service centre. This is designed to give one on one work spaces for students and educators. This may be reading, speech pathology and or occupational therapy. Included therein is a life skills lab for students in need of these basic skills.
“The student services centre is designed with kids in mind to assist students," said Gregorash.
To the east end of the school is the elementary grades. As well as space for administration and a new library.
The school is planning its grand opening for June 13, to coincide with the Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua. Bishop Fred Henry will be invited for the event, which includes its annual family barbecue.
