The provincial government has approved a new west end school, that will combine Bessborough and Hillcrest.
Premier Brian Gallant announced this morning that $1.5 million has been allocated in the 2018-2019 budget.
“We’re putting money aside now to start the planning. We want construction to start as soon as possible for this infrastructure, but with that said, it does take a few years. So, we do have a few years to ensure we have the appropriate analysis and plans put in place to see what will happen with the existing infrastructure,” Gallant told Reporters after the news conference at Bernice MacNaughton High School.
There’s no word on where the school will be built, or a total cost for the new facility.
Hillcrest school was built in 1954 and Bessborough School in 1958.
A painting was unveiled at the news conference that combines the colours from both schools into one. On it, the words, “United as One.” It was painted by Katie Doiron and it is expected to go between the two schools to be on display until the new school is built, bringing Hillcrest and Bessborough together.
Bessborough Principal Nick Mattatall says this is an amazing day for the west end.
“We see a lot of great things happening at Hillcrest School. They have an amazing staff, and if we can bring the talents of the students and staff together, it is going to be a pretty powerful school,” Mattatall says.
Acting Principal Todd Smith is excited with what is to come, “It is a wonderful opportunity for the kids of Hillcrest school and the students of Bessborough School, to move into a new school that emphasizes 21st century learning with all of the resources and all of the things that will be available. I think it is wonderful news.”
One of the main concerns from parents during sustainability studies, is the question of where a new west end school will be built. The provincial government did not announce a location today.
(PHOTO: (left to right) Bessborough Principal Nick Mattatall, Premier Brian Gallant, Finance Minister Cathy Rogers, Anglophone East District Education Council Chair Harry Doyle and Hillcrest Acting Prinicipal Todd Smith)
(PHOTO: (Left to right) Bessborough Vice-Principal Kevin Williams, Hillcrest Acting Vice-Principal Marc Merhebi, Bessborough Principal Nick Mattatall, and Hillcrest Acting Principal Todd Smith)
