Black Gold Regional Division No. 18 (BGRD) hosted the grand re-opening of its newly modernized Calmar Secondary School on April 21, 2017.
Students, staff, community members and stakeholders came together to celebrate the finalization of Calmar Secondary School. The construction process started with the design phase in April 2014.
The Ceremony
The ceremony included welcome messages from Calmar Secondary School Principal, Dennis Dunlop and BGRD Superintendent, Dr. Norman Yanitski. Celebratory messages were delivered from BGRD Board Chair, Mrs. Johnette Lemke; BGRD County Central Trustee, Mrs. Rebecca Eilander; the Town of Calmar Mayor, His Worship, Walter Yachimetz; and Minister of Education, Honourable David Eggen. The Minister of Municipal Affairs, Honourable Shaye Anderson and local MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon, Mr. Mark Smith was also in attendance.
“Along with the parents, the community and the municipality we worked very closely with the Government of Alberta, particularly their Education and Infrastructure departments to make this project a reality,” stated Superintendent Yanitski. “We are extremely proud to finally be able to say that every classroom has been renovated and modernized after being brought back to brick and mortar”.
About the School
The school was designed by architect Workun Garrick Partnership and built by Krawford Construction. The updated building is now providing an innovative learning environment while incorporating the old charm of the original school.
Some highlights of the modernization include:
- A redesigned Library/ Student Learning Commons that incorporates the existing atrium and skylight allowing for plenty of natural light, lots of plug-ins and writing space.
- An enhanced Foods Lab with a digital projector and six completely redesigned student workstations.
- An upgraded Machining/Wood Shop, equipped with top-of-the-line equipment.
- An updated Drama Room, a well-equipped Food Service Area next to the new student gathering space and a modernized Administrative Suite for principals, secretaries and staff to work in.
- A new Fitness Room accessible to all members of the community to help improve their health and fitness.
Ceremony Entertainment
Guests were entertained with a slide show, performances by the Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers, an official ribbon cutting, school tours and festive cupcakes to make the celebration official.
