NORTH BATTLEFORD - The renovations are just about complete at John Paul II Collegiate in North Battleford.
A special celebration ceremony was held on Sept. 23 to showcase the work that has already been finished on the project that was first announced in 2020 as part of the provincial budget.
The project includes upgrades to common areas such as the library, computer lab and canteen area, an addition to the Industrial Arts learning space, as well as an expansion to the workout room, and other improvements.
Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Premier Scott Moe toured the school to see the many upgrades.
"It's a fantastic day here to mark [the progress]. We're almost completed this project, a few more loose ends to tie up, but it's a credit to the staff and students here at John Paul II Collegiate for their patience throughout this project," Cockrill said. "There has been some logistical challenges, but I've got to say [Principal] Yockey and his staff have done just a tremendous job of preserving the educational experience for students here. And again, with the updated spaces, the theatre, the servery, the IA [Industrial Arts] room, the fitness centre upstairs - what an opportunity for students in our community to come to an updated school."
"It's not only good for students here today, but students at our elementary schools that will be coming to John Paul II in years to come," Cockrill added. "It's really good news for the Battlefords."
He noted the project involved a significant $18 million investment, with about $15 million of that coming from the province, and the remaining $3 million from Light of Christ Catholic School Division.
"That's probably the most significant education capital investment that we've seen in our community in many years," Cockrill said. "We've made big investments in healthcare in our community with the Saskatchewan Hospital and we're moving forward with [improvements] to the Battlefords District Care Centre in future years. But when it comes to education, because our economy is strong, we can make investments like this that are going to benefit students, families and staff here in our community."
Glen Gantefoer, Light of Christ Catholic School Division board chair, was thrilled with the project results.
"I feel awesome. This John Paul II [Collegiate] has always been the crown jewel of our school division," he said. "Now that this is complete, it allows us to provide more learning opportunities for kids. And I'm really excited about the new area that has the stage to offer theatre. This would be our second year into the Arts Academy at our school. So, that's exciting."
Gantefoer noted the enrolment in the school is up, which is also a positive sign for the future.
"I'm hoping that it's because of the renovation that students are choosing to come here because of this updated facility," he said. "Enrolment is up; we're happy."
Gantefoer pointed out that the school remained open during the renovations and "everyone managed [the changes] with a great degree of patience."
