Students pour into École St. John Paul II School for first time

“It’s exciting, but [I’m] also a little bit nervous because it’s a new school, don’t know where anything is,” said Holowachuk.

Despite still figuring out his new surroundings, the Grade 5 student had plenty of highlights.

“It was really, really cool,” he said. “The library is neat, the gym is cool, the music class.”

The $11.75 million project was announced by the provincial government in October of 2014, with construction on the school beginning close to two years ago.

Classrooms surround a main learning commons in the centre of the school, which includes a library, gymnasium, performance stage, and a ‘maker space’ that allows kids to be creative with 3-D printers, coding tools, and a small broadcasting set.

Principal Robert Dumanowski said it’s a day school staff have been waiting anxiously for.

“The smiles on the kids really says a lot, but the smiles on the parents equally,” said Dumanowski. “We have a lot of anticipation.”

The Catholic K-6, dual-track elementary school draws students east of 13th Avenue and Southlands, east of Medicine Hat south of Highway 41A, west of Medicine Hat south of Highway 1, south of South Boundary Road, and all young students in Dunmore.

École St. Thomas D’Aquin’s 99 students have also been transferred after the school officially closed it’s doors at the end of June.

Dumanowski said it was a big task making the new school a dual-track program, but is glad to see both languages in place.

“Transitioning students from our former school École St. Thomas to École St. John Paul II School has been quite a feat,” he said. “And, we’re here today, able to say that we’ve successfully completed that journey.”

That closure made the first day at École St. John Paul II a little different for Darcy and Elisha Aho and their two girls Addison and Emily.

“It’s a little tough for us,” said Darcy. “They were really comfortable at St. Thomas, and they were both really excited to come here too. So, that made it a lot easier as parents.”

“École St. Thomas was a very small, kind of nice, family-oriented community,” said Elisha. “Which I’m really hoping that transitions over here, which it definitely should.”

A total of 215 students now call École St. John Paul II School home, which is expected to expand to around 350 students in the coming years.

Dumanowski said while there are plans to grow the school base, it’s important to keep their tight-kit atmosphere.

“Even at full build out, this school will have a very close and intimate environment where every student matters, every face is known, every name is accounted for,” he said.

Tuesday’s ceremony was geared towards the students and learning their classes, while the official grand opening will take place on October 22.

With the first day in the books, Dumanowski said he’s thrilled to see what memories will be made in the coming years.

“This is the first day of many to come, and we’re just delighted to be here and excited to be a part of this community,” he said.

As for new students like Holowachuk, they’re ready for the new challenge.

“Just excited to get it going,” he said.

by Scott Roblin

Students pour into École St. John Paul II School for first time

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