First look at plans for new Catholic school (7 photos)

NEWS RELEASE

HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

************************* Potential design for East End Catholic school unveiled

SAULT STE. MARIE - At a public meeting held Wednesday night (June 16) the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) provided a preliminary look at the design of a new Catholic elementary school to open in just over two years.

Henry Pietrzakowski of MGP Architects–Engineer Inc. along with Paul Stevens of ZAS Architects Inc. showed conceptual drawings of the reconstruction project to a large gathering at St. Patrick Catholic School.

The school, which has yet to be named, will be constructed on the current St. Patrick site.

“This is just the beginning of an extensive process, but what I saw tonight already has captured my attention. It’s a feeling that we are on the verge of something very exciting for Catholic education in Sault Ste. Marie.,” said HSCDSB Chair Marchy Bruni.

The new 61,115 square foot school will consist of a 51,300 square foot two-storey addition to an existing 7,825 square foot portion of the school.

The existing portion of the school will be renovated along with a 5,990 square foot area to be reserved for a daycare centre.

The preliminary plan has the school featuring a pod-style classroom design that promotes collaborative learning opportunities.

There are also plans for stand-alone arts, science and music rooms.

Spiritual and cultural areas have been incorporated into the preliminary concept.

“From what I saw the architects have done their utmost to incorporate everything our school communities had requested when they agreed that this consolidation reconstruction project should become reality.,” said Director of Education John Stadnyk.

The reconstruction project should be ready to welcome students in September 2012.

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