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Celebrating the modernization of NDHS

The Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) invited the public to celebrate their new facility in style at the grand opening of Notré Dame High School (NDHS). School principal Chantal Axani-Rawlake kicked off the grand opening held on Friday, Dec.
Education Minister David Eggen toured the modernized NDHS on Friday, Dec. 8 as part of the grand opening.
Education Minister David Eggen toured the modernized NDHS on Friday, Dec. 8 as part of the grand opening.

The Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) invited the public to celebrate their new facility in style at the grand opening of Notré Dame High School (NDHS).

School principal Chantal Axani-Rawlake kicked off the grand opening held on Friday, Dec. 8, with a comprehensive tour of the new building. Education Minister David Eggen, school board trustees, and representatives of the Town and MD of Bonnyville were all on-hand to get their first look at the modernized NDHS.

“Everything here is the product of careful thought, consideration, and hundreds of hours of planning and collaboration; all with learning the needs of the 21st century student driving the initiative. At NDHS, we're excited to see all those years of hard work and planning come to fruition,” expressed Axani-Rawlake.

An open concept common area, complete with booth seating, greets students as they enter the school, leading into the new gymnasium. Administration has moved from the second floor to the main entrance, allowing staff to have a better view of who comes and goes.

Both the library and the school's computer labs received major upgrades, giving students access to the latest technology.

“It's very impressive. I like the open concept. It creates a very welcoming design that I think will help kids feel confident and proud of the place they're learning in. There's a really good vibe in this school, you can see the kids are genuinely interested in what they'll be able to learn,” said Eggen.

Classrooms specializing in a wide-range of subjects received a facelift as part of the modernization. This gives programs, such as the skilled trades, science, computer sciences, and home economics, an entirely new means of delivery.

A revamped salon has been installed for cosmetology students, and an extended band room has been put in for the music department.

“I like the inclusion here. It really seems like they're focusing on getting all kids with all degrees of ability into the classroom. I think that's a sign of respect, and that's a good lesson for all students to learn,” said Eggen.

For LCSD, the grand opening is the culmination of a process that has been ongoing for over 20 years. After years of voicing concerns over the gym, and eventually space, the project was approved in January 2014.

“Since the early 1990s NDHS has been on the agenda for the school board. Over the years, the gym and lack of cafeteria facilities became a concern, along with the need for classroom space and specialized learning classes,” detailed LCSD board chair Mary Anne Penner. “Dreams for this facility were realized, from the outward appearance of the school, to the student meeting area with the living wall and learning commons.”

Students have already started settling in to their new school, as classes started on schedule in September. The grand opening and completion of the modernization of NDHS gives LCSD the assurance they're giving students their best chance to learn.

“We now have a facility that we're very proud of and it will carry us into the future, allowing for more opportunities at many levels for all of our students,” expressed Penner.

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