The Grand Opening of the new Kindergarten to Grade 12 School in Carrot River, called Carrot River Valley School, was held on Sept. 16.
Students, staff and representatives of the North East School Division joined Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Premier Scott Moe to celebrate the grand opening of the new Kindergarten to Grade 12 school.
This new facility marks the conclusion of the $26.9 million project that began in September 2022.
The new school, which combined Carrot River Elementary and Carrot River High schools, features a modern design and advanced amenities to support the community’s educational needs. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed $24.4 million, while the remaining $2.5 million came from the community and school division.
Moe told reporters after the grand opening that it was an exciting day.
“I had the opportunity a while ago to be here for the sod turning, and it’s even better to be back for the grand opening and see all the kids in the school using the school for all that it was intended to be, and will be able to do that for decades,” Moe said.
Moe explained the process of having a school constructed involving each division setting aside priorities each budget year and that this build was of high priority for the NESD.
“It’s one of over 100 schools we built across the province, and 28 of them are in the planning or construction phases as we speak. (It’s) a significant outbuilding of schools in this province and significant investment in our children’s future,” he said.
“But there’s more than that. There’s investments, financial and input provided by the local community that I think makes it so much more of a building makes it a home for students that that live in the community there.”
Moe said the process was a “real team effort” that began with efforts by the Board of Education in Carrot River.
Like Moe, Cockerill said the new school would help build a foundation for lifelong learning.
“(It) will support development and growth,” Cockrill said in a release. “This school is not just a building, it is the result of extraordinary collaboration, planning and effort. This new school provides exciting new opportunities for our students as they progress from kindergarten to career.”
The new facility is approximately 4,400 square meters and will accommodate up to 350 students. The school includes an expanded Practical and Applied Arts area.
With the exception of the gym, the Carrot River Junior Senior High School was demolished. The gym was built in 2005 and is part of the new school.
The Carrot River Elementary School and the Carrot River Junior Senior High School operated during construction until the new school was completed.
Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, students and dignitaries unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening.
Students from Grades 5-12 were welcomed to the new school in late January 2024, while Kindergarten through Grade 4 students came in September to start the 2024-25 school year.
“Today marks the grand opening of Carrot River Valley School, a place where the North East School Division’s values, connection, empowerment, innovation and inclusion are embedded from the design phase through to the classroom environment,” North East School Division Board Chair Lori Kidney said.
“This new school embodies the collaboration and dedication that have made our core value a reality. The Government of Saskatchewan’s investment in this vibrant community in rural Saskatchewan will enrich the future of our students for decades to come.”
michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca
