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Students were the stars of the show at Douglasdale and Radisson Park 's respective grand opening ceremonies. With help from teachers, trustees and community leaders, the excited young learners hosted two very memorable CBE events.
Despite some challenging times during the building process, Douglasdale's school spirit shone brightly throughout. "Your teacher[s] kept you safe and kept you learning," Area Director Naomi Johnson said to students, commending the school and its leaders for "creating a school environment where academic achievement and creativity are upheld".
The ceremony itself featured student MC's, singing and dancing, a photo slideshow, an impressive drum performance from the school drumming team and compelling speeches from Liepert, Cochrane, Hubert and Johnson.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Ms. Zugman thanked community members for coming together to create a truly interdependent community school. "What could be better than a neighbourhood where everyone shares a sense of belonging?"
Radisson Park School is especially unique, given that it was created through a Public Private Partnership (P3), the first of its kind for CBE schools. The positive partnership with Riddell Kurczaba Architecture Engineering Interior Design Ltd. and Opus Building Canada Inc. ensured that children were able to move into their new school on October 12, 2006
Radisson Park's creative "thinking outside of the box" has resulted in the creation of an exciting school community. The opening celebration featured student MC's, performances from students, including singing, dancing, drumming and an outstanding rendition of Raffi's "Turn, Turn, Turn". The audience clapped along as the entire student body sang, "Turn this world around, for the children, for the future."
Mr Liepert, who presented a provincial flag and plaque at both ceremonies, commended CBE for the new school projects-five in total this year. "This is truly a special day for all of us," said the Minister at Radisson Park 's opening. It was a special day indeed. An outdoor carnival and picnic followed the opening ceremony and continued into the afternoon as students, staff and guests enjoyed games, face painting, crafts, sports, snacks and entertainment from a range of performers. This spring's official openings mark the beginning of what is sure to be a rewarding journey for each new school. As Minister Liepert acknowledged, "architects can create a new building , but it's up to students and staff to make that building a school. " If the five recent school openings at the CBE are any indication, there is a bright future ahead for the students, parents and staff of all our new schools. The CBE proudly welcomes Douglasdale and Radisson Park to our world class system of public schools, dedicated to educating tomorrow's citizens today.
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Calgary Board of Education, Calgary’s public school system
Parents l Students l Partners l Careers l Media l Staffroom
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Douglasdale School rang the celebratory school bell on May 25th , as over 600 guests cheered along. Parents, school staff and proud principal Brenda Zugman shared a well-warranted sense of accomplishment as students welcomed everyone with a special song and cheer.
Achievement and creativity are evident when one walks through Douglasdale's hallways. Colourful artwork, poetry and science projects grace the walls while busy students animate the building with laughter and song. Special guests including the Honourable Ron Liepert, Minister of Education; Art Johnson, MLA for Calgary-Hays; Pat Cochrane, Chair of CBE Board of Trustees; Bev Hubert, CBE Deputy Chief Superintendent; and many others enjoyed a school tour led by students, prior to the ceremony.
Each speaker placed a great emphasis on recognizing the effort that went into Douglasdale's completion. As Ms. Hubert put it, "it takes more than bricks and mortar.a great school takes strong leadership and great staff." Pat Cochrane led the students in a group "thank you" to teachers, administrators, government leaders and families.
Radisson Park School marked its official opening on June 1 st , bringing together students, staff and community leaders to "celebrate what can be built when caring people come together". Principal Joan Green made sure to thank each caring contributor who played a part in Radisson Park 's success.
The brand new P3 school stands strong and proud, boasting what students describe as a "sparkly gym", "splashy school PA and radio system," and "really awesome teachers". As Area Director Margaret McBride explained in her speech about the staff and philosophy at Radisson Park , there is "a school-wide commitment to early literacy and innovative, insightful thinking outside of the box".
Also featured in the ceremony were speeches from the Honourable Ron Liepert, Minister of Education; Moe Amery, MLA for Calgary East; Pat Cochrane, Chair of CBE's Board of Trustees; and Bev Hubert, CBE Deputy Chief Superintendent. .jpg){kind=small}
