Post by IAMCAPER on Jan 7, 2007 21:55:08 GMT -4
It’s a pretty safe bet that school work wasn’t on the minds of students here Friday.
Students were all smiles as they wandered about the halls checking out the classrooms, the full-sized gymnasium and the many specialty areas of their new state of the art school.
As one enters Rankin School of the Narrows (Sgoil Mhic Fhrainga a Chaolais), the first thing you see is a panoramic view of the Bras d’Or Lakes and the waters separating the communities of Iona and Grand Narrows.
“It was at the request of the community that the Gaelic culture be a major part of the school,” said principal Chris Nicholson. “We have that in the name, the Celtic knot and a Celtic cross in the foyer and the Gaelic that is taught here at Rankin.”
He added that with a full-sized gym, Rankin can welcome various sports teams from other areas to the school to compete.
The new school replaces Rankin Memorial, which was built in 1957, and Christmas Island Consolidated School. There are approximately 138 students from nine surrounding communities.
“Gaelic is taught from Grades 7 to 12, which makes the school unique,” said Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board superintendent Ed Davis.
“The school also has online options for courses providing more learning opportunities for the students. The community has waited a long time for this new facility, for them it’s a dream come true I’m sure.”
He added the school board was firmly behind efforts to replace the aging Rankin Memorial.
Rankin School on the Narrows is fully wired with the technology to project any world event on the computer screen. Along with the classroom computers, there is a cart of 15 laptops that allows students wireless access anywhere in the school.
Administration is consulting food service providers to try and find the right fit for the school cafeteria to meet the needs of the students.
Charlene Ellis, who began her teaching career in the old Rankin Memorial, is delighted with the new facility.
“Part of this is sad because we left the old school with all its memories.But, it is also exciting because we’re in a state of the art facility, you can’t beat it. You can see the excitement on the students faces, they are thrilled out of their minds.”
Grade 12 student Luke MacKenzie said the new school is a huge improvement.
“Sports are important for school spirit. It’s great to have a full-sized gym and the outdoor recreation areas. This is great for the younger elementary and junior high students.”
Students were all smiles as they wandered about the halls checking out the classrooms, the full-sized gymnasium and the many specialty areas of their new state of the art school.
As one enters Rankin School of the Narrows (Sgoil Mhic Fhrainga a Chaolais), the first thing you see is a panoramic view of the Bras d’Or Lakes and the waters separating the communities of Iona and Grand Narrows.
“It was at the request of the community that the Gaelic culture be a major part of the school,” said principal Chris Nicholson. “We have that in the name, the Celtic knot and a Celtic cross in the foyer and the Gaelic that is taught here at Rankin.”
He added that with a full-sized gym, Rankin can welcome various sports teams from other areas to the school to compete.
The new school replaces Rankin Memorial, which was built in 1957, and Christmas Island Consolidated School. There are approximately 138 students from nine surrounding communities.
“Gaelic is taught from Grades 7 to 12, which makes the school unique,” said Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board superintendent Ed Davis.
“The school also has online options for courses providing more learning opportunities for the students. The community has waited a long time for this new facility, for them it’s a dream come true I’m sure.”
He added the school board was firmly behind efforts to replace the aging Rankin Memorial.
Rankin School on the Narrows is fully wired with the technology to project any world event on the computer screen. Along with the classroom computers, there is a cart of 15 laptops that allows students wireless access anywhere in the school.
Administration is consulting food service providers to try and find the right fit for the school cafeteria to meet the needs of the students.
Charlene Ellis, who began her teaching career in the old Rankin Memorial, is delighted with the new facility.
“Part of this is sad because we left the old school with all its memories.But, it is also exciting because we’re in a state of the art facility, you can’t beat it. You can see the excitement on the students faces, they are thrilled out of their minds.”
Grade 12 student Luke MacKenzie said the new school is a huge improvement.
“Sports are important for school spirit. It’s great to have a full-sized gym and the outdoor recreation areas. This is great for the younger elementary and junior high students.”