Thursday marked the end of an era in Penhold as Penhold Elementary School (PES) closed its doors for the final time.
The school will be replaced by the new Penhold Waskasoo Middle School, which will welcome students in Grades 4 through 8 this fall.
In a farewell message posted to Facebook, the school reflected on the emotional significance of the day.
“Today, we closed the doors to Penhold Elementary School for the very last time,” the post read. “It's hard to find the words to describe the mix of emotions—gratitude, sadness, pride and love—that filled the hallways today.”
The post paid tribute to the legacy of the school as more than just a building, but a place where memories were made, friendships grew and students took their first steps into learning and life.
“This building has been so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s been a home, a place where small feet took their first brave steps into middle school, where friendships were made over spilled juice boxes and soccer games, where laughter echoed through classrooms, and where hearts grew alongside minds.”
The school also extended heartfelt thanks to its staff, students, and the community.
“To the staff, past and present, thank you for pouring your hearts into this place,” it read. “To the students, both past and present, you are Penhold Elementary… And to the families and community, thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and walking alongside us every step of the way.”
As the community looks ahead to a new chapter, the message emphasized that the spirit of PES will carry on.
“We say goodbye to a building, but not to the heart of what made it so special. PES, you will always be a part of who we are.”
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.