Espanola Education: Two schools on one site officially opened

Rainbow District School Board celebrated the official opening of the revitalized Espanola High School and the new A.B. Ellis Public School on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. The two distinct schools, which share one site, were renovated over the past two years.

“The revitalization of Espanola High School and the new A.B. Ellis Public School is another example of our commitment to students and staff, providing excellence in education in quality facilities,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “With support from the Ministry of Education, we have developed a bright, modern environment for teaching and learning.” She added: “Rainbow District School Board thanks the Province of Ontario for investing in our students through this renewal project.”

“It has been very rewarding for me as a trustee to watch the transformation take shape,” said Trustee Bob Clement, who represents the Espanola area. “A.B. Ellis Public School and Espanola High School are gathering places well beyond the regular school day with daycare for infants, toddlers and pre-school age children, before and after school programs, extra-curricular activities and community use, enhancing quality of life for children and families.”

A number of energy efficiencies have been incorporated into the renewal project, including updated washrooms with energy efficient fixtures, upgraded mechanical systems, new LED lighting and some new windows and doors. The building also capitalizes on the natural light, bringing added comfort and warmth to the environment.

“There are many benefits to creating higher performance facilities,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “They not only decrease energy consumption and operating expenses, they also nurture a culture of conservation and instill in students sustainable practices. Above all, they provide exceptional spaces to bring learning to life.”

A.B. Ellis Public School provides seamless entry from childcare into school. Kindergarten to Grade 8 students moved into the new A.B. Ellis Public School in September 2016. The school accommodates approximately 300 students.

The school features large, bright Kindergarten classrooms with an enclosed outdoor play space. There are also 21st century classrooms with Apple TV and other technology as well as a new outdoor play area for older students.

Site work at the school will be completed in the summer of 2017. The main entrance for A.B. Ellis Public School and the bus layby are located on Mead Boulevard.

Espanola High School provides seamless entry from elementary school to secondary school, creating a smoother transition and further facilitating collaboration for student success. Grade 9 to 12 students moved into newly renovated facilities in September 2015. The school accommodates approximately 500 students.

The secondary portion of the revitalization project included four science labs, a welding shop, six new classrooms and an upgraded library. Upgrades were also made to the main entrance, lobby and parking area. The main entrance for Espanola High School and the bus layby are located on Spruce Street.

More About A.B. Ellis Public School – Home of the Flames

At A.B. Ellis Public School, students engage in communications, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and digital citizenship in each classroom. Students also have the opportunity to learn Ojibwe and experience First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, which is reflected throughout the school.

A.B. Ellis is home to two thriving Intensive Support Programs for students identified with Developmental Disability and Autism. These programs provide support for students living in Massey, Webbwood, Espanola, and surrounding areas. Teachers and staff in these programs receive extensive training in special education in order to meet the needs of learners with exceptionalities.

A.B. Ellis Public School offers a wide variety of whole-school activities including Fall Harvest Feast and an annual Holiday Pageant. Together with the community, the school has raised thousands of dollars for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Students also participate on many school teams, including volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross-country running, and track and field. These activities give students opportunities to develop social skills, friendships, commitment, and sportsmanship. Students consistently make staff and parents/guardians proud when representing their school.

More About Espanola High School – Home of the Spartans

Espanola High School welcomes students from the communities of Walford, Massey, Webbwood, McKerrow, Nairn Centre, Whitefish Falls, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and Whitefish River First Nation (Birch Island).

A modern and friendly learning environment, Espanola High School recognizes the unique qualities of individual students and their cultures. Students gain knowledge, build cultural
understanding and develop life-long learning skills. They are well prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse, global society.

Espanola High School has introduced a 21st Century learning project, transforming traditional classrooms into flexible learning spaces. In addition to the core curriculum areas of English, Math, Science and the Humanities, the school offers Aboriginal Studies, Arts, Business, Family Studies, Music, Physical Education, and Technological Education.

Espanola High School works closely with community partners. The school has a vibrant Co-operative Education program that enjoys the long-standing support of local businesses and agencies. Students who have special needs benefit from many options including Resource Room assistance, Transition, Lifeskills, and Section 23 programs.

Academic supports include the Homework Club, Literacy Training and Math Contests. Learning activities also include Skills Canada Competitions, Cardboard Boat Races, visits to museums, trips to Europe and music competitions.

The athletic department sponsors more than 20 teams that participate in the North Shore and Sudbury Athletic Associations. The school has a popular intramural program at lunch hour. The athletic department also hosts an annual athletic banquet and raises funds to support a large number of school teams. The Wellness Committee provides educational information regarding drinking and driving, drugs, Internet safety, nutrition, physical fitness, bullying and dating.

In addition to offering activities such as Athletic Day, school dances and assemblies, the Student Parliament and other groups raise funds for both local and international needs. Examples of these activities include the 30-Hour Famine, benefit concerts, the Terry Fox Run, Halloween for Hunger, and supporting World Vision initiatives. As the largest fundraising school in Spread the Net for malaria, the school has also welcomed Rick Mercer and been featured on national television.

Quotes:

“It’s a grand new facility and a thrilling experience, with some great new opportunities to explore. A.B. Ellis Public School is not just made of bricks, it is made from us. And the generations to come will be as much a part of this school as we are now. We, the students, are the heart and soul of A.B. Ellis Public School and we look forward to what awaits us in this new facility.” – Grade 8 Student Thomas Morrow, A.B. Ellis Public School

“The revitalization of Espanola High School and the new A.B. Ellis Public School is another example of our commitment to students and staff, providing excellence in education in quality facilities. With support from the Ministry of Education, we have developed a bright, modern environment for teaching and learning. “ – Chair Doreen Dewar

“A.B. Ellis Public School and Espanola High School are gathering places well beyond the regular school day with daycare for infants, toddlers and pre-school age children, before and after school programs, extra-curricular activities and community use, enhancing quality of life for children and families.” – Trustee Bob Clement

“There are many benefits to creating higher performance facilities. They not only decrease energy consumption and operating expenses, they also nurture a culture of conservation and instill in students sustainable practices. Above all, they provide exceptional spaces to bring learning to life.” – Director Norm Blaseg

“A modern and friendly learning environment, Espanola High School recognizes the unique qualities of individual students and their cultures. Students gain knowledge, build cultural understanding and develop life-long learning skills. They are well prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse, global society.” – Principal Marty Punkari

“At A.B. Ellis Public School, students engage in communications, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and digital citizenship in each classroom. Students also have the opportunity to learn Ojibwe and experience First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, which is reflected throughout the school.” – Principal Michael Bellrose

Fast Facts:

Architect: Yallowega Belanger Salach Architect
Engineers: SNC-Lavalin Engineering, A2S Engineering
Construction Manager: CM Sullivan and Sons Ltd.
Project cost: $10.1 million

School: Espanola High School
Principal: Marty Punkari
Address: 147 Spruce Avenue, Espanola
Phone: 705-869-1590

School: A.B. Ellis Public School
Principal: Michael Bellrose
Address: 164 Mead Boulevard, Espanola
Phone: 705-869-1651

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705.674.3171, ext. 7217.