Work On Iona School Gets Official Launch

EDUCATION -Work On Iona School Gets Official Launch

Representatives of the provincial government, the Cape Breton Victoria-Regional School Board, and students from Rankin Memorial and Christmas Island schools helped break the ground today, Sept. 14, for a new, $6.2-million school to serve the Iona area.

The Grade Primary to 12 school will have a projected enrolment of 155.

Education Minister Jamie Muir acknowledged the challenges in designing a modern school of this type for a relatively small student body, but said active involvement of the community made it possible.

"It has been an excellent example of effective communication and co-operation," he said. "I would like to thank everyone involved, and say how much we look forward to working with them in bringing this project to completion."

Mr. Muir said the new school would continue the role of its predecessor as a focal point for the preservation of Gaelic culture.

Elizabeth MacPhee, chair of the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board, thanked the Department of Education and community groups for their efforts.

"I want to thank all here today for their continued support for the project," she said. "Home and School, School Advisory Council, and in particular the School Study Team have committed countless hours to making this dream a reality. I also want to thank the board members for the area, Keith Bain and Darlene Morrison."

The 35,300 square-foot school is scheduled for completion in March 2006.

It will replace Rankin Memorial School and Christmas Island Consolidated School, which currently serve nine communities in the area.

The new building will offer improved facilities in all areas of school life, particularly in physical education and music.

It is part of an eight-year school construction program funded by the Department of Education worth more than $400 million.