CALGARY – Students enrolled at a Calgary Catholic school that underwent major renovations were able to return to the facility this week, nine months earlier than expected.
St. Vincent de Paul School began undergoing a multi-million dollar major modernization in the fall of 2014.
Among the renovations are a new roof, new boiler and heating system, new flooring and a reconfiguration of areas such as the main entrance, gym entrance and learning commons.
“The key is to really create a space for students where they can really thrive,” said Karen Ryhorchuk, spokesperson for the Calgary Catholic School District. “By providing open concept classrooms as well as an open space for them, learning commons, brand new science labs, we can provide those modern necessities that kids are utilizing in the classroom.”
Elementary school children enrolled in the K-9 facility were bused to a different school during the renovations, while junior high students remained in the building during the construction.
“You could hear construction workers banging when we were in the classroom,” explained Grade 9 student Giulianna Durante. “Last year it kind of smelled like tar in some parts of the school because they were working on the roof at the beginning of the year.”
“It was kind of loud, kind of noisy, but really worth it in the end because the school looks really amazing.”
Classes at St. Vincent de Paul School resumed on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016. It was originally thought it wouldn’t be operational until the fall of 2016.
– With files from Doug Vaessen
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