GRAND RE-OPENING OF NUTANA COLLEGIATE CELEBRATED

Education Minister Donna Harpauer, students, staff, board members and community members celebrated the grand reopening of Nutana Collegiate Auditorium today.

"The completion of this capital project is cause for celebration," Harpauer said. "The renovations and upgrades will ensure that this important facility will continue to provide quality educational programming in the community."

In April 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan gave approval and funding needed to proceed with the renovation/upgrade project which took three years to complete construction with a total cost of nearly $14 million. The Ministry of Education has contributed more than $8 million dollars toward the completion of these improvements. Capital improvements to this facility include general upgrading of the building, new windows and classroom renovations. The grand reopening of the auditorium marks the completion of the third phase of this three year project.

"We appreciate the support of the provincial government and Saskatoon Public Schools for the renovations at Nutana, which culminate today with the reopening of our auditorium," Nutana Collegiate Principal Cole Kirby said. "The renewal of our auditorium respects the history of our school while reinvigorating the physical space for our current and future students."

Originally built in 1909, Nutana Collegiate offers an educational program that allows for students to learn in an alternative semester system with support from teachers who specialize in meeting individual learner needs while also offering a wide variety of additional programs and services, which are tailored to meet the needs of students.

"For more than 100 years, Nutana Collegiate has played a vital role in the development of our community and our province," Saskatoon Public Schools Director of Education George Rathwell said. "Whether hosting university classes, theatre productions or Saskatoon's first public art gallery - this building has been a mainstay throughout the history of the city. Once deemed a prep school for the University of Saskatchewan, it continues to foster and prepare our students for post-secondary education, for work opportunities and for life's great experiences."

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $500 million since November 2007 to move forward 41 major school capital projects and about 716 additional smaller school capital projects across the province. This represents a record high investment in school infrastructure in less than a five year period.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506