The Government of Alberta has approved funding to begin planning for two new high schools in Sylvan Lake, a joint capital project for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Chinook's Edge School Division.
"We are excited for a much-needed Catholic high school in Sylvan Lake," said Chris Andrew, Board Chair, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. "This is an opportunity to design a school that supports innovative programming, emerging technologies, and evolving career pathways to meet industry needs in Alberta."
A new school has been a pressing need for both school divisions, since approximately 250 Grade 10-12 students are bussed into St. Joseph High School and École Secondaire Notre Dame High School. Both high schools are near or at 100% capacity utilization and a modernization is required at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School to accommodate more students.
There are 635 Grade 10-12 students at École HJ Cody School, which is also over 100% capacity utilization and projected to continue to exceed capacity and be at 120% capacity utilization within 5 years.
"Receiving planning funding from the Government of Alberta for a new Chinook's Edge high school in Sylvan Lake means Chinook's Edge will offer students modern environments with high standards that are built to nurture development and learning. The new school will alleviate space pressure in a rapidly growing community. State-of-the-art buildings attract families and students, as well as high calibre teachers and staff," said Holly Bilton, Board Chair, Chinook's Edge School Division.
"I look forward to working with Dr. Ryan Sawula, Superintendent of Chinook's Edge School Division, together with the Ministry staff and community partners to design and prepare for the opening of a new high school in Sylvan Lake," stated Dr. Rhonda Nixon, Superintendent of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. "This is a unique opportunity to grow Catholic education while working alongside community members and our neighbouring division to meet the needs of families in Sylvan Lake."
This new high school will support approximately 300 students for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and approximately 975 students for Chinook's Edge School Division. It will serve two school divisions and cultivate partnerships with the Town of Sylvan Lake and a number of post-secondary institutions.
"These partnerships will continue to strengthen the innovative skilled trades programming both of our divisions offer through the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute," said Jason Drent, Associate Superintendent of Corporate Services with Chinook's Edge School Division.
"This high school will be a unique opportunity to have students stay in their community instead of going to high schools in Red Deer, and it will provide ongoing faith-based education K-12," said Ryan Ledene, Supervisor of System Services with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
For more information, please read the Government of Alberta news release.
