Learning Minister Deb Higgins was in Weyburn on Monday to highlight the provincial government's contribution of $1.7 million for school improvement projects at both St. Michael School and Weyburn Junior High School. During her visit to Weyburn, Higgins took a tour of the completed St. Michael School, having a chance to visit with the staff and students of the Grade 5 to 9 school and the younger students of St. Dominic Savio School.

"It is always nice to be in Weyburn, especially now that things are booming in the community," said Higgins. "The booming economy will bring some challenges, but it shows how important it is to continue our program of providing quality education to the students in the community."

"The visit from Learning Minister Higgins went very well," said Darren Larson, principal for St. Michael School and St. Dominic Savio School. "She was certainly interested in talking to the students and looking at all the things that the school needs. I felt that she was impressed by the new wing and how the students have united together in such a short amount of time."

"We have been very excited with the renovation project from start to finish, and we were very pleased that the Minister was able to come out and tour the school," said Director of Education for Holy Family School Division, Shelley Rowein.

"It was good to have the Minister visit Weyburn and an excellent opportunity to recognize the need of those facilities that require capital funding to complete updates and renovations," said Director of Education for Southeast Cornerstone School Division, Don Rempel.

During the Learning Minister's tour of the school, she visited with staff and the students in each classroom. One of those teachers, Tessa Scrupps, found Higgins "to be very down to earth. It was really informal talking to her, she just wanted to get to know the staff, the students and talk about providing education for all children."

After the tour, Higgins attended an assembly of students and staff from St. Michael School and St. Dominic Savio School, where the Grades 5 and 6 students were officially welcomed to their new learning environment. Student representative council president Tanisha Quintyn spoke on behalf of the school and presented a gift to the Learning Minister. Grade 6 student Jillian Diede also made a speech, on behalf of the Grade 5 and 6 class.

"We were extremely impressed by the program put together by the students of the school and proud of the two who made speeches to welcome the Minister," said Rowein.

"As representatives of Cornerstone, it was nice to share that visit with the Holy Family staff, students and board members," said Rempel. "The students at St. Michael School did an excellent job hosting the Minister on behalf of the City of Weyburn."

"I thought we welcomed her really warmly, the music was good and the students sang really nice for our first time this year singing as one school," said Grade 8 student Alexis Larson.

"It was nice to have the whole gym filled up by both schools," said Grade 8 student Breanne Walkeden. "It was a great way to welcome the minister and I felt that the speech she gave us was appreciated by all."

In her speech, the Learning Minister detailed how St. Michael School has received a total of $1.24 million in government support over two years for the construction of seven new classrooms, washrooms, change area, staff room and other renovations to accommodate the new students. The final department payment of $455,000 is now being provided. The renovation was cost-shared with the Holy Family Roman Catholic School Division with a total approved cost of almost $3.42 million.

"We believe that a big part of meeting our commitment to make Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family is ensuring that all students benefit from modern and well-equipped facilities," said Higgins.

"The renovations at the school are really nice, especially now that we have air conditioning," said Alexis Larson. "The school feels more warm and welcoming, it is a lot better learning environment." Fellow Grade 8 student Greg Miller added his thoughts that "although most of the renovations are being used by the younger students, it is still nice for the older students because it gives us more space and doesn't feel as crowded."

"It was very interesting to speak to both students and teachers on the renovations, as both brought different opinions on what they appreciated the most," said Higgins. "The students were excited about the new things in the classrooms, such as the computers, microwaves and air conditioning, while the teachers were very pleased with the bigger rooms and the extra storage space."

The Weyburn Junior High School also saw a significant renovation this year with exterior wall, window and partial roof replacement being currently completed. The renovation is cost-shared with Southeast Cornerstone School Division with a government contribution of $456,000 and the total approved project estimated at $733,000.

Rempel stated that the project at the Weyburn Junior High "is about 90 per cent completed, with the renovations being part of the regular upkeep of the facility." These projects are part of the Government of Saskatchewan's investment of $6.1 million to improve the learning environment in 34 schools. These include improvements such as roof replacement and restoration, renovations, additions, mechanical system upgrades and building system upgrades. Funding for these projects will be cost-shared with school divisions across the province. Over the past five years, the province has invested $169.2 million in improvements to pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools.