Education minister visits Parkhill School for grand opening

Parkhill School held its grand opening on Sept. 25 with special guest Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning Tracy Schmidt who gave her remarks.

“This is a really special moment to stand here at the opening of this school. We know that schools are much more than just buildings,” said the minister. “Schools really are a community. They bring together students and families and staff and they create a place where we can all grow and learn and thrive together. We know that Steinbach is one of Manitoba’s fastest growing communities, and Parkhill School is a direct response to that growth.”

The minister noted that Parkhill was one of three new schools to open this year (the other two being in Winnipeg). She said 11 new schools will be built across the province over the next four years and that going forward all schools will be built with daycares in them.

The $39.7 million project was designed by Prairie Architecture Inc. and built by Penn-Co Construction. The school spans 62,304 square-feet and can accommodate 600 students from kindergarten to Grade 4. The childcare facility can accommodate 104 children.

“Parkhill School will ease K-4 enrollment pressures and create room for future growth, providing students with a welcoming environment where they can thrive in their learning,” said superintendent Joe Thiessen.

Parkhill Principal Kim Koop said she was privileged to be the head of the new school. She said her “eyes lit up” when she heard that Hanover School Division was building an early years school and she hoped she would be able to be principal.

“So today, it really is a dream come true that I get to be the principal here at Parkhill,” she said. “A school like this doesn’t just happen. It takes years of planning, dreaming, and decision-making. Thank you to the province of Manitoba and Hanover School Division for your commitment in making Parkhill School a reality.”

Mayor Earl Funk also spoke at the opening and stated since he’s been in office in 2010 the city has opened two elementary schools, which demonstrates the growth of Steinbach.

“It’s not just people coming from bigger cities coming to retire, it’s young families are moving into the community too and they’re growing up and raising their children here. And I believe they’re raising their children here because of the values and the foundation that we were founded on. It’s a great place to raise your kids. It’s a safe place to raise your kids, and with the organizations like the Hanover School Division we’ve got a great place to educate our kids,” he said.