The official grand opening of Parkhill School took place Thursday, Sept. 25, welcoming government officials, families, students and staff from the Hanover School Division (HSD) to the ceremony. A new generation of learning Superintendent and CEO of HSD, Joe Thiessen, served as master of ceremonies and opened with wise words. “From the groundbreaking in the summer of 2023 to today’s opening, this journey has been guided by the dedication of so many people. It is wonderful to see that vision realized for our students and community,” Thiessen says. "Education is more than classrooms and courses. It’s a promise we make every day to every child that their strengths will be discovered, their voices will be heard, and they will be prepared for their future.” Lynn Barkman from the HSD Board of Trustees, shared a prayer to bless the school, students, and staff. Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Tracy Schmidt, took time to acknowledge the growing community of Steinbach and the collective collaboration in completing this space. “I want to thank the Hanover School Division and all your community members for your strong advocacy in bringing this project forward,” she says. “We’re very proud to be part of investing in the foundational skills that help every child succeed.” Mayor Earl Funk spoke about Steinbach’s development and the community’s ongoing growth. “It’s so exciting to be here today. It’s exciting when the community grows,” he says. About the build At an estimated cost of $39.7 million, Parkhill School was designed by Prairie Architecture Inc. and brought to life by Penn-Co Construction. The school accommodates 500 students from kindergarten to Grade 4, with 20 classrooms spanning over the 62,304 square foot facility. Principal Kim Koop shared her gratitude for the hard work of the trades, designers, and additional staff who helped make this project possible. “Today truly is a dream come true. A school like this doesn't just happen. It takes years of planning, dreaming and decision making,” Koop says. “Thank you to the province of Manitoba and the Hanover School Division for your commitment to making this school a reality. And a special thank you to my Penn-Co guys.” She notes the patience and guidance of the Penn-Co workers made this all possible. A note to students “Today, I don’t want to close with my own words, but with the voices of our students,” Koop explains. Koop ends her message with quotes from students about some of their favourite things about Parkhill. “Smiling faces everywhere." "Kindness everywhere!" "It has two stories!" "I feel happy when I come here.” Koop says the students are a constant reminder of the commitment to making Parkhill School an amazing place to be. Chair of the HSD Board of Trustees, Dallas Wiebe, closed the ceremony, thanking the integral team who made this possible. "The opening of Parkhill School was a clear example of how government, school boards and councils to work together to provide education and growing communities."