The Niverville Elementary School addition, which has been underway throughout the summer and fall, is on track for completion at the end of October, confirms Hanover School Division Superintendent Randy Dueck. The addition will introduce five urgently needed new classrooms to the crowded school.
Since the start of the school year in September, four Grade 4 classes have been accommodated in existing spaces, including the library, music room, and multipurpose room.
“Accommodation has gone well for the Grade 4 classes,” Dueck says. “Each teacher worked to make the spaces homeroom/classroom friendly, and HSD ensured every room was equipped with the needed technology and instructional furnishings.”
In the meantime, the school has worked to minimize the impact of these disruptions.
“Through the use of book carts and scheduled classroom use, students have been able to check out books on a regular basis. Music classes have been taking place in a spare room that comfortably holds upwards of 25 students in that space,” Dueck says. “All in all, it has gone well. Teachers, students, and parents have been very patient, accommodating, and supportive of this temporary arrangement. That being said, we do look forward to the new addition opening very soon. The expanded space will be welcomed.”
Earlier this year, the Hanover School Division placed two new Niverville schools on its five-year capital plan, including a 650-seat elementary school. Those requests are currently being reviewed by the provincial government.
“As we continue to see the growth in Niverville, we’re aware that Niverville Elementary School, even with the addition that’s being built right now, it’s not going to be too long before it just doesn’t suffice,” Dueck said in May. “How the province then chooses to respond to this request, and when they choose to respond to the request, will be interesting.”
