HANWELL (GNB) – A ceremony was held Wednesday evening to officially open the new kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school in Hanwell. Teachers, students, families, municipal officials and representatives of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Anglophone West School District were on hand for the ceremony at Hanwell Park Academy.
“Hanwell Park Academy has helped alleviate overcrowding in other local schools but will also provide students with a better sense of community,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “I am thrilled to see this school come to life after four years of building, preparation and planning. I look forward to what the future will bring for its students.”
About $33.5 million was invested in construction of the school. It features more than 30 classrooms, an early childhood room, outdoor learning areas, two gyms, a learning commons, specialty learning spaces such as music rooms, a performing arts room, art rooms, science rooms, technology labs and resource spaces, as well as open project areas for group collaboration.
“This beautiful facility will offer a welcoming environment to the many students, staff and community members that visit it,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jill Green. “We know that education is a priority in our province, and we are proud to play a role in offering safe and modern infrastructure for current and future young New Brunswickers.”
The three-storey school currently has about 550 students but can accommodate 650 or more.
The school was designed to reflect the community’s rural nature. In addition to outdoor classrooms, there is a connection to the nearby trail system. There is also an outdoor pickleball court that is shared with the community and a full-sized playing field for school sports.
“Hanwell Park Academy is an exciting addition to our school district in so many ways,” said Anglophone West School District superintendent David McTimoney. “We look forward to the facility being a place for our staff and students to thrive for years to come.”
Besides reducing overcrowding at Priestman Street School and George Street Middle School, Hanwell Park Academy has shortened the time students spend on buses and allowed them to learn in their own community.
29-09-22
