Heather Latter
A grand opening is set for tomorrow as students and staff of Robert Moore School celebrate their first year in the new building.
The event, slated for 11 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community barbecue, and student presentations.
“It’s a great opportunity for community members to come out and see our new facility, and to really see the beginnings of our new school,” enthused principal Dianne Thompson.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work to bring our culture together, and create our new culture and new environment,” she noted, adding the new facility is beautiful and appropriate for teaching in today’s modern society.
With a different philosophy towards teaching than in the past, Thompson said the new approach is represented within the school.
She cited a designated music area, dedicated special education resources areas, and a wonderful library as just some of the features of the new school.
Thompson added the new Robert Moore School also is supportive of the modern, technological times.
“We have two designated computer labs and smart boards incorporated into every classroom,” she explained. “We have all of the technology to support learning in the global environment.”
In addition, Thompson said the students have been working hard to make their mark at the school. They’ve recently made a quilt that is now hanging on the wall there.
“Just everything they’ve been doing this past year developing how to go about making and doing things within this new environment,” she remarked.
“We do have the same name because it was important for our community to maintain the name and to keep that connection with our past, but at the same time we’re developing our new persona.”
Tomorrow’s event is planned for the outdoors, but Thompson noted the festivities will be moved into the gym if the weather doesn’t co-operate.
“Rain or shine, we will be celebrating,” she stressed.
There also will be student-guided tours of the school available for anyone wishing to check out the new facility.
While students are invited to bring a blanket or towel to share with friends and family to sit on outside during the event, chairs will be available for visitors and community members.
Lunch tickets cost $3 each, which includes a hotdog, chips, drink, and ice cream cup.
Each student will be issued a meal ticket, but parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to pre-purchase lunch tickets through online school banking, at the Rainy River District School Board office, or the Couchiching Education office.
Students, staff, and community members also are encouraged to dress in the Robert Moore School colours of royal blue and yellow.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our first year together in this new facility,” Thompson enthused.
