W.P. BATE SCHOOL REOPENS AT NEW LOCATION IN SASKATOON

Premier Lorne Calvert and Learning Minister Deb Higgins joined school and community members to celebrate the opening of a new W.P. Bate Community School in Saskatoon today. It is a joint-use project between the school division and City of Saskatoon.

"The future of our province will be defined by its young people," Calvert said. "We need to access every advantage our society and economy can provide to ensure that they achieve excellence in our education system. The collaborative approach in developing this joint-use facility truly demonstrates this community's commitment and dedication to the youth of our province."

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested approximately $2.3 million of the $4.8 million construction and relocation of W.P. Bate Community School. Based on a facility audit of the existing school, the Department of Learning approved the replacement of the school in 2003 rather than renovating it. After public consultations held by the Saskatoon Public School Division and the City of Saskatoon, the decision was made to build a new school on 18th Street in Meadowgreen Park. The project was cost-shared with the Saskatoon Public School Division and the City of Saskatoon.

"W.P. Bate Community School is part of a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood," Saskatoon Public School Board of Education chair Dan Danielson said. "The civic multi-purpose room for the use of the residents of Meadowgreen adds to the richness of the school experience for our students."

The enhancements in the new school include a large gymnasium, performing arts area, computer and science classrooms, a staff room and an administration area. The community school further supports students with a nutrition room adjacent to a large multi-purpose area, counselling rooms and a clothing storage area.

The school also includes a new kindergarten and pre-kindergarten. The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Public School Division are currently exploring the possibility of an Early Learning and Child Care Centre at W.P. Bate Community School.

The old school, located on Ottawa Avenue South, will be demolished and the property will be turned over to the City in return for the property on which the new school was constructed.

The total government commitment to pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 capital projects this fiscal year is $22 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Margaret Ball Facilities - Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5631	Jacquie McLean Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609
Nicole Fellinger Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-1069	Joy Adams Bauer Saskatoon Public Schools Saskatoon Phone: (306)683-8325