Minister, Students Celebrate New Oyster Pond School

Students in Oyster Pond, Halifax Regional Municipality, celebrated the official opening of their safe, healthy new school today, Feb. 15.

Education Minister Karen Casey joined staff, school board members and elected officials to formally welcome students to Oyster Pond Academy.

"Building new schools and renovating existing schools are part of government's priority of educating our students to compete. Investments in public education today benefit our students and help us better prepare them for the future," said Ms. Casey. "I am pleased that the combined efforts of the provincial government, the school board and the community have provided students with a first-class facility that will serve it for many years to come."

About 525 students from Primary to Grade 9 attend the $12.8-million Eastern Shore school. It is complete with a full-size gymnasium, cafeteria, modern technology and other supports specifically designed to enhance the learning experience.

Oyster Pond Academy welcomes students from Robert Jamison, Jeddore-Lakeville, Harbourside and Musquodoboit Central schools.

"Oyster Pond Academy was designed with the needs of students and community in mind, and represents an opportunity to demonstrate the best of what our public education system has to offer," said Howard Windsor of the Halifax Regional School Board.

"Within the walls of this school, students will learn extraordinary things about the world around them and, equally, about themselves."

The school, approved for construction in 2003, was designed by Harvey and MacKenzie Architects and built by Maxim Construction. Construction was completed in time for the start of the September school year.

Oyster Pond Academy is part of the government's multi-year, $400-million school construction and renovation plan.