New BMHS

A job well done was celebrated last Monday (Oct. 30) with the official opening of the Barrington Municipal High School (BMHS) in Oak Park.

Students, staff, community leaders, parents and elected officials including Education Minister Karen Casey were on hand for the ceremony.

“The community, the school board and the department have all made a great effort to provide students with a modern and healthy learning environment,� said Casey.

“There are two things that will make this school a good school,� she advised. “A good relationship between students and teachers, and the respect that goes along with it. That will make any educational experience a quality one.�

Speaker after speaker praised the new facility, the persistence and patience of the community, and the cooperative efforts that brought the project to fruition.

“The last four years at the old school were difficult,� said school council president Brandon Newell. “But being the community that we are, we worked together for the betterment of future generations. When I graduate this year I know I’m leaving a place for my future.�

The $13 million start of the art facility replaces the original BMHS that was plagued with air quality problems for four years.

Not so at the new school, which has been recognized by Natural Resources Canada for its energy efficiency design under the Commercial Building Incentive Program.

Designed by Harvey-MacKenzie architects the school uses a unique, water-top rainwater collection system to supply non-potable water to the school washrooms, as well as a computerized indoor climate control system to automatically adjust temperature and ventilation throughout the school.

Since moving into the new school last spring, the difference in staff morale and school spirit is evident, such as at the school’s Terry Fox Run in September. Last year only one student participated.

This year more than 400 took part.

“This school will proudly serve our community for generations to come,� said principal Dave Buckland.

The school is designed to accommodate up to 800 students from Grades 7 to 12. There are currently 735 students enrolled.