Nine joint-use schools set to open this fall

The 18 P3 facilities feature flexible learning spaces

Two years after construction crews broke ground, school divisions will soon have the keys to 18 new elementary schools across the province.

In Regina on Monday, SaskBuilds and the Saskatchewan Masonry Institute, along with men and women from the industry, celebrated the upcoming completion of the nine P3 joint-use buildings (that will each be shared by a Catholic and public elementary school). Hosted by Brxton Masonry Inc., the group gathered to acknowledge the masonry work done by Brxton, in two of the three Regina sites.

“Our individuals take great pride in the work that we execute on our job sites and having the opportunity to be a part of the heritage in our communities is very valuable,” said Ryan Leech, vice-president of SMI and owner of Brxton Masonry Inc.

Gene Makowsky, Regina Gardiner Park MLA, who spoke on behalf of SaskBuilds, highlighted the importance of the project in contributing to local jobs. More than 70 Saskatchewan companies were part of the construction of the schools, which Makowsky said has helped to grow the economy.

As the masons celebrate a job well done, schools divisions across are getting ready to move in.

Blair Gullickson, principal on assignment for Regina Public Schools, has spent the past year preparing for the new schools. He said he’s excited as the final days of construction draw to a close and he knows staff, parents and kids are anxious to get in the schools and take a look around.

Gullickson has already done some preparation with the staff members who will be working in the new schools in September. As part of orientation, the staff took a virtual tour, discussed the flexibility of the learning spaces and familiarized themselves with new technology that will be used in the classrooms.

“Classes can be traditional, but that’s not really what we’re hoping for. We’re hoping that people look for innovative ways to further student learning and to engage kids in their learning and I think there’s quite a bit of opportunity for that,” said Gullickson.

The schools have been designed to encourage a variety of learning and teachings styles. Barn doors are in place to move easily from classroom to classroom, and a garage door in each classroom opens up to a common area to accommodate working in small or large groups.

While schools have faced staffing challenges since the latest provincial budget, both Saskatoon and Regina public school divisions say they are confident in the number of staff they have for the new schools. Ray Morrison, chairman of the board of trustees for Saskatoon Public Schools said it’s a very busy time for the staff as they prepare for opening.

Morrison said that staff have been meeting to organize programming and transportation. Books are being ordered for the library as well as furniture for the building.

The opening of four new sites in Saskatoon will help take pressure off overcrowded schools in the city, but will also be important pillars of the community, said Morrison.

“I think they’ll be great community centres, because in our case they are large enough they can become the centre of the community and a bit of an anchor for people to build community around,” said Morrison.

The schools are on budget and on schedule to be operational in September.