Government of Saskatchewan Western Red Lilies
Executive Council - Media Services
Legislative Building - Regina, Canada S4S 0B3 - (306) 787-6281

News Release


October 2, 2006

Learning - 697

GRAND OPENING OF CENTENNIAL COLLEGIATE IN SASKATOON

Premier Lorne Calvert and Learning Minister Deb Higgins joined school and
community members to celebrate the grand opening of Centennial Collegiate in
Saskatoon today.

"Projects like this help to ensure that students, staff and the whole
community benefit from enhanced learning opportunities provided through high
quality programs and services in modern well-equipped facilities," Calvert
said. "This joint-use facility will not only meet the needs of the community
by providing a community centre and soccer centre, but will help the students
of Centennial Collegiate reach their full potential."

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested approximately $10.4 million for
the construction of Centennial Collegiate. The total cost of $18.6 million was
cost-shared with the Saskatoon Public School Division.

"In the two months the school has been open, Centennial Collegiate has already
become a meeting place for the community to enjoy education, the arts,
athletics and recreation," Saskatoon Public School Board of Education chair
Dan Danielson said. "We are extremely proud of this unique facility which is
the first of its kind in Saskatoon."

The special features of the new two-storey facility, located at 160 Nelson
Road in northeast Saskatoon, include a resource room, gymnasium, practical
arts labs and classrooms, science labs and student commons area. It also
includes a performing arts theatre where dance academy programs will be
offered.

The City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. have contributed
approximately $12.9 million for the construction of an indoor/outdoor soccer
centre adjacent to the collegiate. Both the City and Centennial Collegiate
will share the soccer centre for seasonal programs.

There are currently 375 Grade 9 and 10 students enrolled at Centennial
Collegiate, with Grades 11 and 12 to follow in the fall of 2007. The
collegiate's capacity is approximately 1,000 students.

"I would like to congratulate the Saskatoon Public School Division, the City
of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. on their collaboration in this
innovative project," Calvert said. "Your investment in this project
demonstrates your commitment to high-quality education and recreational
opportunities."

The total government commitment to pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 capital
projects this fiscal year is $22 million.

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For More Information, Contact:
Margaret Ball
Facilities - Saskatchewan Learning
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5631
Jacquie McLean
Saskatchewan Learning
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5609

Nicole Fellinger
Saskatchewan Learning
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1069

Joy Adams Bauer
Saskatoon Public Schools
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 683-8325


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