There is excitement in the halls of St. Anthony’s School as the day the move to their new facility draws near.
After delays and uncertainty, they are fixing on a date in February to take possession of the new school on North Dinosaur Trail.
“They are working like crazy and it is getting close, so I am happy,” said superintendent of Christ the Redeemer School Division, Michael O’Brien.
The school was delayed when the original contractor and the school division parted ways. Cana Construction was hired to complete the project.
“They are a large company that is known for its exemplary standards,” said O’Brien.
Last Friday, teachers and staff were able to have a tour of the building to see the progress.
The modern building is being built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) Silver Standard. This means great care is being undertaken to make the school is environmentally sound.
There will be no linoleum in the school. Rather the floors are all polished concrete, which eliminates some of the adhesives that may off-gas. The same care is taken in the selection and installation of furniture. Paints that have low volatile organic compounds are being used.
The ventilation system has been sealed for the duration of the construction to foster clean air.
“We have to blow the building out for a week (after construction is complete) before we can let anyone in it,” said O’Brien.
Looking at the building from North Dinosaur Trail, it is designed to mirror the natural hills of the valley. Most will also notice there are very few windows on the south face. The north side however has plenty of windows with a view of the hills. This allows an abundance of natural light into the building, and also contributes to energy efficiency.
Plumbing is designed to conserve water, and waste from the building is to be recycled.
The building is also designed to be right sized for whatever size the school may be. A sizable portion of the school’s classrooms are portable and can be removed when student populations are not enough to fully utilize the school, creating efficiency. If the school grows, more units can be added to accommodate growth. Transitions from portable classrooms to the hallways are seamless, and each portable class has it own mechanical unit.
The new space will allow the school to expand and improve its programs. A top-notch music room has been built as well as two computer labs, to add to the school’s current portable labs.
There is open space for art and CTS programs including a wood shop, space for welding, electrical, small engine repair and plumbing. This allows students to get a taste of these trades, and then go on to a post secondary program or a registered apprenticeship program.
There is a food and fashion lab for home economics courses. The phys-ed department will marvel at a full two-court gym with weight room and bleachers.
The school also has a learning centre area with space for life skills as well as rooms for undisrupted one-on-one work and group work space.
O’Brien says they are in the process of firming up dates for the move, hoped to be in February.
