They celebrated at Superior Heights C & VS today (photo)

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

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Algoma District School Board celebrates ribbon cutting ceremony at Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School

Over 200 students, dignitaries and special guests including Ministry of Education representative Karen Fabbro-Cobb, Sault Ste Marie Mayor Debbie Amaroso and Elder Willard Pine (Indian Friendship Centre) joined Algoma District School Board (ADSB) Trustees and Administrative Council at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. 

Special guests also included former Bawating and Sir James Dunn Collegiate staff, trustees and administrators.

The ribbon cutting ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the new facility. 

It was also a chance to acknowledge and thank those who played a significant role in the two former school communities (Bawating and Sir James Dunn) and those who helped bring the new facility to fruition. 

ADSB Director of Education Mario Turco thanked trustees, superintendents, principals and staff members who helped to build the solid foundation.

“It is a celebration of two great schools – Bawating and Sir James Dunn Collegiate and Vocational School – who each, with their own individual successful traditions, histories, culture and accomplishments, joined together to begin a new journey to create a new Superior learning environment and culture.  In its second year of existence, Superior Heights has already become recognized for excellence in academics and athletics. The foundation for this new success has not happened by chance and this ribbon cutting ceremony is also an acknowledgement of many individuals who have preceded us and who have laid the groundwork for another century of excellence, new traditions and accomplishments.”

Director Turco also spoke of his appreciation for the cooperation and involvement of so many individuals and organizations who helped make the learning facility a reality from Accommodation Review Committee members, architects, engineers, school board plant, carestaff and transportation departments, the board of trustees, senior administration and the school communities including parents, staff and students. 

Mayor Debbie Amaroso brought greetings on behalf of the city of Sault Ste Marie, and Elder Willard Pine began the ceremony with a prayer.

Superior Heights students played a significant role in the ceremony providing vocal accompaniment for O Canada and providing musical numbers before, during and after the ceremony. 

Through the Eyes of a Student was a segment of the program that had student representatives from each grade of the school share their personal experiences from their first year in the new building.

Ministry of Education Officer Karen Fabbro-Cobb shared greetings from Minister of Education Laurel Broten and presented a Provincial flag to Supeior Heights students and Principal Michael McCabe. 

A newly created wall banner was also presented to Superior Heights students and Principal McCabe by the School Council Vice-Chair Abby Obenchain.

Although unable to attend due to their schedules in Toronto, both MPP David Orazietti and MP Bryan Hayes sent greetings. 

“The completion of Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School is another example of the province’s commitment to rebuild Sault Ste. Marie’s education system by building state-of-the-art infrastructure that is helping all of our students reach their full potential,” said David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “It has been decades since a provincial government has provided the financial support necessary to substantially improve existing school infrastructure in our city and the increase in local per pupil funding of 65 percent since 2003, has helped to raise graduation rates from 68 percent to 82 percent today."

“I would like to take this moment to say thank you to the Algoma District School Board for all of the hard work and commitment it has taken to build this school,” said MP Bryan Hayes, MP Sault Ste Marie and area.  “All school board staff have been instrumental in providing our young people with a love of learning and an education that encourages them to succeed.  Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School is a superb example of our community’s dedication to education.”

Superior Heights students representing all grade levels and programs in the school  were the official ribbon cutters at the ceremony, and were joined by: Karen Fabbro-Cobb – Ministry of Education officer; Abby Obenchain – Superior Heights School Council vice-chair; Jennifer Sarlo – ADSB chair; Mario Turco – ADSB director of education; Michael McCabe – principal Superior Heights; Henry Pietrzakowski – architect (MGP); Costas Catsaros – architect (ZAS); and Ralph Aquino – Bonfield Construction.

PHOTO CAPTION: Students from Superior Heights Grade 7 through 12 and Community Education program (all centre) were joined by dignitaries at the Superior Heights Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 29, 2012. Pictured (l-r): Jennifer Sarlo (ADSB chair), Ralph Aquino (Bonfield), Henry Pietrzakowski (MGP architect), Jordan P., Mario Turco (director, ADSB), Thomas G., Beth A., Matthew B., Abby Obenchain (SH School Council vice-chair), Taylor C., Alissa P., Costas Catsaros (ZAS architects), Emma S., Karen Fabbro-Cobb (Ministry of Educastion), and Michael McCabe (principal, Superior Heights).

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