by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
Before school was let out for the Christmas break, Provincial Minister of Education, Jill Dunlop, visited Erie Migration District School (EMDS) to attend a celebration hosted to recognize the school’s official opening.
The K-12 school, located on Jasperson Lane in Kingsville, opened in the fall. Nearly 1700 students now attend this facility.
The event offered performances from the school’s choir and bands, showing off the musical talents of the school’s students.
In her newer role as Minister of Education, Dunlop said this was the first school opening celebration she has been able to attend, and she was pleased to be part of the event.
For the previous five-months as Education Minister, Dunlop said she has traveled all over the province to meet with staff and students, in addition to school sites under construction.
“From those visits, and as a mom, I have learned there is no denying a school space is the heart of the local community, and how important it is for young families to have a school close to home,” Dunlop said.
To the GECDSB staff and families in the community, after the two-year construction process for “this landmark, new school, you can now celebrate the result of your hard work and patience.”
For the Kingsville and Harrow communities, this year marks a new beginning, Dunlop added.
“While I know there will be fond memories of the old schools, students can look forward to a bright future in this modern, consolidated kindergarten to grade 12 new school building,” Dunlop stated. It features key learning spaces, including a games room, childcare space, and classrooms for manufacturing and family studies, STEPS program space, and library.
With the support of the community, and the investment of nearly $60M from the provincial government, Dunlop said this school will serve the needs of area families for years to come.
She thanked the GECDSB for its strong commitment to meeting the learning needs of the community.
“I am confident that this beautiful, new school will be a place where all students and staff feel welcome and excited to be part of something special,” she said, wishing all students the very best for a successful education.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi thanked Dunlop for joining the festivity, noting it is quite the honour to have the Education Minister in house to celebrate. He also congratulated the GECDSB on the launch of the new school.
“I am excited for you,” Leardi told the students. “I am excited for this area. I am excited to see all of the amazing things the teachers and students are going to be doing here, now and in the future.”
It is the people that make a community great, Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers added. “You have all contributed to making Erie Migration District School an environment where students can grow, learn, and thrive.”
As a parent, Rogers said he saw how hard the teachers worked to help the students transition into the larger school.
He challenged the students to ensure they complete small acts of kindness. “Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.”
Student speakers also had a chance to share what it is like being part of EMDS, and the things they are looking forward to this coming year in their new school facility. They spoke of how they will cherish memories from their old schools, but look forward to making new ones in the new school.
Vicki Houston, Director of Education for the GECDSB, said EMDS represents more than just a physical space, it reflects the school board’s commitment to providing a high-quality education in an innovative, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere.
She is confident EMDS will be a place where students develop, not only as learners, but also as compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged citizens, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
“This innovative new school will surely continue to foster positive community partnerships, lasting friendships, collaborative efforts, and cherished memories for decades to come,” Darin Carroll, Elementary Principal of EMDS, said.
Secondary Principal, Sara Fiorvento-Balsdon, reflected on the significance of what was achieved together in building the facility, and how the school is a new chapter in the community’s story.
“Let’s make this school a place where every student feels valued and safe, and every dream has a chance to become a reality.”
In speaking to the Essex Free Press, Dunlop said EMDS is a beautiful new school. She toured the classrooms to see the state-of-the-art tech areas.
“The students have a great opportunity to learn here, to get into things like the skilled-trades,” she said.
It is a beautiful new facility, not only for the students, but for staff, as well.
Looking ahead, a priority for Dunlop will be to look at the teacher shortage. She recognizes it is not only an issue in Ontario, but across Canada. She is looking at solutions.
“I want to ensure whatever I bring forward is not going to swing the pendulum too far the other way, like it has in the past,” Dunlop said.
Student safety in the classroom is also a focus. She is hearing the importance of that from students and teachers.
“We want to ensure our classrooms are safe spaces,” Dunlop said, noting it was great to join the celebration with the community.