Hanover School Division celebrated the grand opening of the new Niverville High School today. Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen and Ron Schuler, MLA for Springfield-Ritchot, participated in the opening ceremony along with students, staff and special guests.
“This new Niverville High School, serving grades 9 to 12, is a significant achievement for both the Manitoba government and the Hanover School Division,” said Goertzen. “Along with Pine Ridge Elementary School in Winkler, these are the first two schools out of 20 that our government will build over the next 10 years, adding capacity for almost 11,000 additional students.”
Niverville High School provides space for up to 450 Grade 9-12 students and reflects a modern design with open spaces, large windows, and natural lighting. The building features a digital learning lab, science labs, life-skills suite, art room, performing arts space, learning commons, fitness room, gymnasium, and an integrated child care centre (74 spaces). The new school opened for students in September 2019. Phase two of the building project (drama room, band room, and child care centre) will be ready for occupancy by spring 2020.
“This is an exciting day for Hanover School Division and the community of Niverville,” said Superintendent-CEO Randy Dueck. “Today’s grand opening is the culmination of 18 months of preparation and represents the shared vision of our community partners. This beautiful new school will remedy long-standing enrollment pressures and provide space for growth in the years ahead.”
Designed by MCM Architects Inc. and contracted by Red Lake Construction, the two-story 66,700 sq. ft. facility is estimated to cost $18,450,000. Niverville High School has been designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating requirements and Manitoba Hydro energy-use targets. Situated adjacent to the Community Resource & Recreation Centre, the campus will provide opportunities for shared usage and strengthen community ownership.
“The new Niverville High School will ensure that these students are educated in quality facilities that can support excellence in education, far removed from the over-crowded portables and schools the students of Niverville and other communities have had to endure for so many years,” added Goertzen.
