Despite massive construction delays, which have amounted to the one-year postponement of the opening of the new, state-of-the-art Morley Elementary School (located across the street from the Morley Community School) the new facility welcomed staff Aug. 27 and its brood of students (Kindergarten-Grade 5) Sept. 4.
Dawson and Wallace Construction Ltd. earned the bid as the new contractor this past January, taking over where former contractor Trumbley & Hampton Inc. left off, after walking off the site in October of 2011, rumoured to be facing bankruptcy in their western operations; the entire cost of the Morley Elementary School is $17 million.
Already achieving silver, and possibly gold, distinction under the LEED concept (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the facility boasts an abundance of natural light, combined with cutting edge technology that includes SMART Boards in every classroom, along with five desktop computers and 90 laptops which will be circulated throughout the school; the school is also equipped with a full-sized gymnasium, a commercial-grade kitchen and two culturally-enhanced playgrounds.
Superintendent Dr. Gordon Breen said most notably, however, the structure and curriculum at the new school will be conducive to First Nations culture and Stoney Nakoda language and customs.
“We’ve designed the school to meet the students’ educational needs, in terms of Alberta educational standards, but it’s all in the envelope of being culturally enhanced,” he explained, adding that the teepee construct at the front entrance of the school will be used for First Nations ceremonies and language instruction.
A grand opening with the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, will take place later in the school year.
