The official opening of the new Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford was marked on Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Bluewater District School Board trustees, staff, and students joined local dignitaries, community partners and build team members for the official opening. In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, school tours, speeches, music and a plaque unveiling took place.
The ceremony was broadcast live to students in their classrooms and to the community over the internet.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff, Meaford Mayor Barb Clumpus, The Blue Mountains Mayor Alar Soever, Bluewater District School Board Chair Jane Thomson, Director of Education Lori Wilder, Superintendent of Education Keith Lefebvre, School Council Chairs Sarah Milne and Tarren Gilchrist, local school board Trustee Fran Morgan, Principal Kevin Wilson, Vice-Principals Julie Phillips and Danielle Carson and Student Senator Wren Marritt were all on hand for the official opening.
“This is a great day for Meaford and all the staff and students at Georgian Bay Community School,” says MPP Walker. “The new school will provide a quality learning environment and new opportunities for the children attending this brand-new school.”
The new Georgian Bay Community School welcomed junior kindergarten to Grade 12 students and staff for the first time in September.
The facility was funded with approximately $29.6-million from the Ministry of Education. The two-storey school includes 1,033 student spaces and one EarlyON Child and Family Centre room.
The new school brings together the former Georgian Bay Secondary School and the former St. Vincent-Euphrasia Elementary School in a new facility.
It is located behind the former St. Vincent-Euphrasia Elementary School property at 197799 Grey Road 7 in Meaford.
The new Georgian Bay Community School includes new construction and transportation/manufacturing shops, a triple gymnasium, a cafetorium with stage, a library, and a music room. Among the outdoor features are a soon-to-be-developed track and sports field, a large green space, and hard-surface play areas.
