Class is now in session for the new Lanigan School.
On Tuesday, students and staff walked inside of the trailblazing facility that will soon house all the students in the community.
Principal Jeff Stroeder says there was plenty of enthusiasm for the first day.
“Kids were super excited to move into a building with all brand new equipment and state-of-the-art technology. So, there's a big buzz around here. It was a busy day.”
Stroeder explained some of the features the students will enjoy includes a pair of gymnasiums, a magnificent shop space, an alluring home economics area, and classrooms featuring state of the art technology.
“It’s a beautiful place to be,” said the Lanigan Principal.
For the remainder of the school year, the Lanigan Central High School and Lanigan Elementary School will operate under separate entities before becoming one operating under the same umbrella in the fall becoming the Lanigan School featuring students from Pre-K to Grade 12.
With a chance to finish out the school year in the new facility before a new school year in the fall, Stroeder says this should make for a smooth transition.
“We have about 6 weeks here. We can iron out some of the kinks and things as the school year ends. And then hopefully when we start up in the fall, everybody will be knowledgeable about how everything works. And hopefully we'll have very few issues come September.”
Tuesday’s opening marked the end of a long journey for the new school, Stroeder was pleased to see some students that finishing up their education in Lanigan to enjoy the new facility for a short period of time.
“It's really nice that we were able to get our Grade 12 students in here back when we started this, we had about five of them. I think they were only maybe in Grade 8, and they were part of the planning process for what they thought they would see. So, it's really nice to be able to get them, get them into the building here before they graduate.”
An official grand opening will be held in the fall once work for the parking lot is completed, which will be organized by the Horizon School Division as Stroeder says that should take place late in the fall.