Premier Greg Selinger helped officially open Steinbach’s Clearspring Middle School in the Hanover School Division here today.
“This new school will give students a safe, modern environment to learn and develop new skills, and it will give families in Steinbach a new community space in which to gather,” said Selinger. “With support from the provincial government, creating the school has been a real community project, bringing together students, staff and the community to design and build this bright, energy-efficient building.”
Clearspring is one of Manitoba’s first targeted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, (LEED) Gold school buildings. The 93,000-square-foot school was constructed to maximize water efficiency, optimize energy performance, and use materials and resources that provide a healthy learning environment for students. The building itself functions as a teaching tool as there are numerous features throughout the floor plan that provide opportunities for students to learn about architecture, construction and design.
The school also includes:
• a 4,000-sq.-ft. child-care centre,
• a 7,400-sq.-ft. gymnasium and fitness room,
• a 3,300 sq.-ft. multi-purpose room,
• two computer labs,
• four science classrooms,
• a 3,000-sq.-ft. library,
• a 2,300-sq.-ft. music/band room,
• a classroom dedicated to art instruction,
• a 1,760-sq.-ft. life-skills suite for children with special needs,
• a home economics lab and a woodworking shop, and
• 23 regular classrooms.
“Hanover School Division is very thankful for what we have been able to achieve together with the province – an exceptional middle school that is healthy and inviting for students and staff and provides many flexible learning areas both inside and outside of the building. This school has been built to last and will be environmentally sustainable for many years to come, serving as a model for students and their community alike, in our efforts to teach and promote responsible and sustainable living,” said Ken Klassen, division superintendent.
Since 2000, Manitoba has built 18 new schools, 13 replacement schools and completed extensive renovations and additions to existing schools, noted the premier
