SOD TURNING CEREMONY HERALDS NEW SCHOOL FOR PRINCE ALBERT

Students, teachers and parents of Prince Albert's Vincent Massey Community School are one step closer to seeing their new school take shape. Learning Minister Andrew Thomson today took part in a sod turning ceremony to mark the commencement of construction for the new pre-kindergarten to grade-eight school.

"The current Vincent Massey School has served the community well for many years but it is time now to replace it with a modern, well-equipped learning environment," Thomson said. "Investing in education helps ensure a bright and prosperous future for our children, our communities and our province. Prince Albert is a vibrant community and its schools need to grow in step with the community."

The Government of Saskatchewan will contribute $4.7 million to the $7.3 million project, sharing the cost with the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division. The new school has been designed with three learning neighbourhoods grouped around a resource centre, gymnasium and community school area. Each learning neighbourhood will have its own entry and a cluster of classrooms surrounding a central learning area. The new building will alleviate the current space shortage, providing much needed room for computers and science, art and drama projects.

"This is a great event for Saskatchewan Rivers and the families that live in the Vincent Massey Community School area," Board of Education Chair Wayne Steen said. "We appreciate the support we received from Saskatchewan Learning and Minister Thomson in making this project happen. It means a lot to us."

It is anticipated that the new Vincent Massey Community School will be completed by June 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

W.O. Cooke, Director of Education Saskatchewan Rivers School Division No. 119 Prince Albert Phone: (306) 764-1571

Jacquie Mclean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609