New High School for Windsor Under Way

Students, teachers, parents and community leaders joined Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell to celebrate the start of construction of a new high school in Windsor today, Sept. 9. The new Avon View High School will be completed in November 2003.

The new $16-million school will replace the 43-year-old Windsor Regional High School, which has been identified by the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board and the Department of Education as a top priority for replacement.

"A new school is a priority for Windsor and students here will reap the benefits for many years to come," said Mr. Russell on behalf of Education Minister Jane Purves. "Avon View High will be a superb new home for students and staff when construction is completed in November 2003."

About 950 students in grades 10 through 12 will attend the school, which will include a 975 sq.-m (10,500 sq.-ft.) gymnasium, five science labs, an information technology classroom, an arts room, a 390 sq.-m (4,200 sq.-ft.) cafetorium and a new playing field. The site plan allows for the community to build two more playing fields.

"The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board is delighted that the students of the Windsor/West Hants area will have a new school," said Shirley Jackson, chair of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. "This will provide improved facilities for student learning and a safer environment for both students and staff."

"The sod turning finalizes the efforts of so many people in getting the new school and it gives a feeling of pride, excitement, and ownership," said Phil Van Zoost, principal of Windsor Regional High and the new Avon View High School.

The high school will be built on Payzant Street in Windsor.