General

Kingsway Renewal Progressing

Feb 9, 2017

Update presentation provided for renewal project

In September 2017, students from Kingsway Park Public School and Hyde Park Public School will all be under one roof at the renovated and expanded Kingsway Park Public School. Members of both school communities, MPP Bill Mauro, Trustees, community partners and Lakehead Public Schools Administration attended a project update session on Thursday, February 9 to view site plans and conceptual drawing for the construction project that will begin this spring and conclude in time for the new school year.

“We are very excited about this project for the Kingsway Park and Hyde Park School communities,” says Ian MacRae, Director of Education, Lakehead Public Schools. “The project is progressing according to plan and we expect that a tender will be issued at the end of February with construction to commence as soon as the ground is shovel ready.”

Site plans for the renovated and expanded Kingsway Park Public School include:

  • 3 brand-new kindergarten classrooms;
  • A full-sized gymnasium;
  • A brand-new full-service child care centre;
  • An outdoor classroom;
  • A brand-new play structure;
  • Culinary Arts classroom; and
  • 1 additional classroom

“Our community is very supportive and excited about the positive impact that the renovation and expansion of the school will have on programming and the overall educational experience for students,” says Darren Lentz, Principal of Kingsway Park Public School. “We are also very pleased with the level of interest from our school communities for the Kingsway-Hyde Transition Committee.”

The Kingsway Park – Hyde Park Transition Committee held first their meeting in January and will meet monthly to plan for the smooth transition of students. The committee is comprised of school staff, parents and members of the school community. A transition committee is established after a decision has been made to close or consolidate schools. Trustees voted to establish this committee at the November Regular Board Meeting. The committee will be planning transition events for students and will have input on the communication that occurs throughout the transition process.

“We have a very engaged and committed Transition Committee that is dedicated to ensuring that this process is as smooth as possible for all students and their families,” says Shannon Jessiman-MacArthur, Vice Principal of Hyde Park Public School. “Our students are excited to be with the students at Kingsway Park and they are also very excited for the new playground structure and outdoor classroom.”