Black Gold Regional Division No. 18 (BGRD) hosted a grand opening of its newest Beaumont school on May 4, 2018. Students, staff, community members and stakeholders came together to celebrate the finalization of the construction process which was first announced on October 8, 2014.

The ceremony included welcome messages from École Champs Vallée School’s Principal, Patrick Gamache Huchison, and Superintendent of Schools, Norman Yanitski. Celebratory messages were also delivered from Black Gold Regional Division No. 18, Beaumont Trustee, Robyn Steed;  Mayor of the Town of Beaumont, John Stewart; and Minister of Municipal Affairs, Shaye Anderson. Local MLA for Drayton-Valley-Devon, Mark Smith, as well as, several other key stakeholders from Alberta Education, Alberta Infrastructure, Colliers Project Leaders, Johnston Builders Ltd., Stantec Architecture Ltd. and the Vallée family (the original homesteaders of the land) were in attendance.

Guests were presented with a slide show as well a performance by the École Champs Vallée School Choir. The event concluded with an official ribbon cutting, school tours and festive cupcakes to make the celebration official.

“As a Division we are committed to enhancing the learning environments for all students and, today, I could not be happier to say we are continuing to do just that.  With this grand opening, and the establishment of École Champs Vallée School, we can continue to build on the success we have had in providing a supportive environment for student-focused learning to a growing population,” stated Superintendent Yanitski. “We are extremely proud to say École Champs Vallée School is now one of the great focal points of Beaumont.  It’s great to celebrate this state of the art facility and the start of endless learning opportunities”.

The new school has assisted the Division in providing greater student capacity in all of its Beaumont Family of Schools and be more effective in its goals of inspiring success and providing ideal supportive environments for student-focused learning to the Beaumont community.