Doors Open to New Classrooms at Millbrook South Cavan School

Photo Karen Graham.

The major expansion project at Millbrook South Cavan Public School that began last June is almost done, and the occupants are thrilled with the results.

After a series of construction and administrative delays, students filed into their new classrooms upon return from March break on Monday March 20th. Four of the five new classrooms are no occupied by students from kindergarten to grade five, with one classroom remaining vacant.

Asked what they liked best about their new digs, students commented on the bright, open space, the smart boards, the extensive cork boards to display their work and the stand-up desks. Teachers are pleased to trade the traditional chalk boards for new white boards, where coloured markers make more interesting visuals for their in-class discussions.   There were some students who missed the excitement of using the key fobs to gain access to the school from the portables, but they were in the minority.

The portables are still on the school grounds, and most of the landscape work remains to be completed as weather conditions improve. For the moment there is plenty of mud and limited access to sections of the school yard. While the project has presented challenges during the course of the school year, Principal Sheryl Hunter explains that the construction also offered many learning opportunities for students of all ages. At each stage of construction there have been construction crews on site and teachers took advantage of spontaneous demonstrations of equipment operations, connecting the project to math and science concepts and introducing different types of career options in the construction trades.

Hunter attributed the success of the project to the construction firm, and particularly their Site Manager Vince, who ensured the safety of the students and welcomed their attention as the project developed. She is looking forward to other opportunities presented by this project with the opening of the Compass Daycare facility attached to the school which opens April 3rd.

By the end of the school year, the community will have a renovated school yard with a basketball court, a full time integrated Daycare program operating year round, and room to grow in the classrooms.   Seems like they are ready to welcome some new families to the community. KG

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