Hammonds Plains School Project Gets Official Launch

Representatives of the local community, the province, and the Halifax Regional School Board formally marked the beginning of work today, Oct. 22, on the new Hammonds Plains elementary school, by laying the last piece of sod to complete the playing field.

The $8.5-million school, on Vrege Court, near Kingswood Drive, will serve nearly 600 students in grades Primary to 6.

Education Minister Jamie Muir said the new school would have a significant impact on the community.

"We were very pleased to work with members of the community on this effort," said Mr. Muir. "Their input resulted in valuable changes to the initial design that will benefit students and staff. This will be a first-class facility for learning and teaching."

"The entire community has worked hard to see this day become a reality," said Carolyn McFarlane, chair of the Halifax Regional School Board. "I am so pleased that, when it opens next year, it will provide enhanced learning opportunities for the students and it will address overcrowding issues."

The school is scheduled to open in September 2005.

Teachers and parents, through the school steering team, had a significant impact on the school design, the playing field, and the playground.

The school's playing field will meet municipal standards so that athletes throughout the area can use it.

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

The construction of the school is supervised by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.