First joint-use elementary school opens in Moose Jaw

The City of Moose Jaw has officially opened its first joint-use elementary school, which will accommodate up to 1,100 students.

The City of Moose Jaw has officially opened its first joint-use elementary school.

On Wednesday, government officials, school division representatives, and community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the facility, meant to support Moose Jaw’s growing population.

The new facility, which is now home to the newly named Coteau Hills Elementary and Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, brings together Sacred Heart, St. Mary, Empire, and Westmount elementary schools, according to a release from the province.

The facility, which will accommodate up to 1,100 pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 students, includes a multipurpose cultural room, a shared kitchen lab, a Maker Space Studio, and a childcare centre with space for 51 children.

“By consolidating four aging elementary schools into a modern facility, we are ensuring that students have access to the space and resources they need to thrive for years to come,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said in the release.

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The new building is operated by Prairie South School Division and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and accommodates 600 students in the public program and 500 in the Catholic program.

“Prairie South Schools is proud to be part of this innovative project,” Ryan Boughen, the director of education for Prairie South School Division said. “This space was designed by students and staff, and every corner of this school reflects a commitment to collaboration, creativity and student-centered learning.”

“Our Lady of Hope will be a place where students encounter Christ daily, where families are embraced in community and where learning is nurtured with both excellence and compassion,” Ward Strueby, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division CEO and director of education said in the release.

The provincial government invested $68.2 million towards the development of the new facility.