In a celebration mixing in-person greetings and livestreaming for guests, Winnipeg School Division has officially opened its newest school, École Waterford Springs School, a Nursery to Grade 8 English and Kindergarten to Grade 8 French Immersion school. The school also houses Bumper Crop Early Learning Centre Inc. with capacity for up to 74 infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The daycare also offers a Before and After Program in the school for up to 30 students.
"Today's (September 23) celebration was a much anticipated event for our school, as we actually opened to students at the beginning of 2021," says Principal Manuel Silva. "While we are still observing COVID restrictions, it's wonderful to have a chance to recognize the many people who helped build this amazing facility in which I and my colleagues have the privilege to teach."
École Waterford Springs School serves children from the growing communities of Waterford Green, Castlebury Meadows, Castlebury Springs and Northwest Farms. Already there are 730 students enrolled with 173 in the French Immersion program. The school, which cost $21.9 million to build, is 76,400 square feet and able to accommodate up to 800 students. It is organized into two distinct blocks connected by a two-story Student Commons space that forms the heart of the school and defines the main entrance.
"A beautiful feature of this new school is how the Commons opens onto the Outdoor Learning Classroom that was developed to raise awareness of Indigenous culture," said Betty Edel, Chair, WSD Board of Trustees. "As with any forward looking, responsible work, especially given our heightened awareness of the effects of Climate Change, sustainability and stewardship were important project drivers in creating this facility." The school is anticipated to achieve LEED Silver Certification, and utilizes several sustainable strategies that ensure not only its efficiency but that allow the building itself to contribute academically with respect to climatic and environmental stewardship.
Principal Silva acknowledged the many contributors to the successful opening of École Waterford Springs School, thanking the Province of Manitoba for investing in the much needed school in north west Winnipeg.
"Our government continues to put Manitoba's students first by building new schools that deliver quality learning environments for our students and educators," said Education Minister Cliff Cullen. "École Waterford Springs School addresses the growing enrolment needs of four developing communities in north west Winnipeg and will provide quality education facilities to our students."
Principal Silva noted that an Integrated Design Process was utilized in the planning and design, seen as key to ensuring that contributions from all stakeholders were captured. LM Architectural Group (Architectural and Interiors) led the Consultant Team which included Crosier Kilgour and Partners (Structural and Sustainability), Epp Siepman Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical), HTFC Planning and Design (Landscape), and Sison Blackburn (Civil). Representatives from Winnipeg School Division and the Province of Manitoba were integral team members and were involved in decision making and oversight throughout the design and construction processes.
The school's unique name was selected in February of 2020 by a committee of parents, students, staff and community members.
WSD is celebrating 150 years of learning this year and has 79 schools, 32,752 students and 4,587 full-time employees. Its purpose is to provide a learning environment that fosters the growth of each student's potential and provide equitable opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary for meaningful participation in a global and diverse society.
