Province Invests in Sherbrooke Area Students

The province is investing an additional $2.1 million to provide students in Sherbrooke, Guysborough Co., with a modern and effective learning environment.

The province is working with the Strait Regional School Board to renovate and add to St. Mary's Academy to create a Primary to Grade 12 school. The renovations will allow the board to replace the aging St. Mary's Education Centre which is a Primary to Grade 7 school.

"The province is putting kids and learning first by providing the best learning environment for students to be successful," said Guysborough-Sheet Harbour MLA Jim Boudreau, on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "By working with our partners, we will ensure that we meet the needs of students and the community for many years to come."

The project involves new classrooms and building an addition, which will include a second gymnasium, multi-purpose area, music room and drama-art rooms. The province had already invested $2 million in the project as part of the 2012-13 capital plan.

"The completion of the addition to St. Mary's Academy will provide an updated and enhanced facility to provide programs and services to our students and to the communities the school serves," said Betty Mills, chair of St. Mary's school advisory council.

"The new facilities will also provide a dedicated space for adults with special needs to come together in an inclusive and welcoming environment that recognizes, values, promotes and celebrates their strengths and contributions to the wider communities."

St. Mary's Academy has 146 students in grades 8-12 while St. Mary's Education Centre has 173 students. The $6.3-million project is expected to be completed during the 2013-14 school year.