C.K. “thought day would never come�

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register



Central Kings Rural High School celebrated the completion of a multi-stage renovation project Dec. 5

Student musicians kicked off the ceremony, with invited guests from the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, the provincial government and representatives of C.K.’s student government and School Advisory Council.

Principal Janice Foote admitted there were times “when we thought this day would never come.�

In the late 1990s, occurrences of environmental illness emerged as a serious problem at the school. In response to growing concerns about the condition of the 40-year-old building, short-term renovations which required the school population to “split shift� with Horton High School in 1999, were followed by a three-stage renovation project that started in 2002 and wrapped up this summer.

The first phase of the construction saw a new addition at the back of the facility to accommodate the middle school population and a second gym. The high school wing was then renovated, followed by a third stage resulting in a new administration area, library and a fine arts/ music room and stage in the cafeteria. The main entrance was also redesigned, as were areas for parking and student drop-off.

David Morse and Mark Parent were newly-minted MLAs when problems of environmental illness emerged at the school.

“There was a lot of anxiety then about this sick building,� recalled Morse, who now serves as a provincial cabinet minister. “About 40 per cent of students were reporting illness, and there was a higher incidence among staff - many of whom had worked in the building for many years.�

Parent recalled the initial meetings about problems at the school. In his remarks, he noted “the well-known Gator pride saw you through a long and sometimes ardous process.�

As a former C.K. student, school board chairwoman Lavinia Parrish-Zwicker said she could “really appreciate the scope of the upgrades.

“From the work of the action team and the steering committee, which was followed by a long period of renovations, the school has emerged to offer students an enhanced, healthy learning environment.�

Her comments about the school’s new technology, classrooms and upgraded common areas and sports facilities were followed by thanks from C.K.’s student co-prime minister, Brodie Sampson.

Referring to the school as a “much different place,� Sampson thanked all the partners in the renovation for providing students with “a safe, clean and contemporary learning environment.�

Following a plaque unveiling, a mosaic of the school’s original crest, inlaid in the floor of the main foyer, was dedicated. The initiative was a partnership of the school board, students, staff and C.K. alumni. The original crest, which bears the school’s motto, “Nobilia Petentes� (Seek the Noble Way), was designed in 1952 by Grade 10 student Arthur Bailey.

The school, adjacent to the Annapolis Valley First Nation community, will also receive a native “smudging� ceremony in the near future to complete the school’s rejuvenation. The ritual cleansing lifts away negative energy, feelings and emotions and is also used for healing the mind, body and spirit.