Yesterday (January 31), students, staff and invited guests celebrated the grand opening of Windsong Heights, Airdrie's newest school.

As they entered, guests were greeted by the school's youngest students, who lined the halls towards the gymnasium, waving pompoms in the school's colours. Students wearing apparel featuring the school's logo and mascot - the Windsong Wolves - streamed in and took their seats, as did parents and dignitaries including Education Minister David Eggen, Mayor Peter Brown, the Rocky View School Board and other members of Rocky View.

Minister Eggen, Mayor Brown, School Board Chair and Airdrie Trustee Todd Brand and Rocky View Superintendent Greg Luterbach all made remarks congratulating the school. Eggen also presented the school with a commemorative plaque.

The speakers were interspersed with a display of the student body's talent. The assembly featured a dance performance, a rendition of "Colours of the Wind" by the choir, and drumming by students accompanied by special guest Rocky Raccoon, Rocky View's mascot.

Principal Penny Beaudry concluded the ceremony with remarks of her own, then students were dismissed and guests had an opportunity to tour the new facility, which actually opened in September.

Beaudry said the grand opening signified that everything has come together, and now that the celebration is done the school can work on forming its identity and community. The spectacular grand opening served as a way for students to contribute to that community.

"Every student did something today, whether it's the artwork, the tours, buddying with the little kids, our kindergartens welcoming everybody," said Beaudry. "It's so important to get those details so everyone feels like they've played a part."

When the school opened in September, it welcomed 720 students, the most for a new school ever in the division. Those students came from six feeder schools and elsewhere. The staff also came from all over, joining Windsong from 19 Rocky View schools, other private schools and straight from university. Beaudry said it was a huge learning curve getting everyone on the same page, but she's excited to see the school coalesce into a new community.

Minister Eggen, who earlier in the day attended the grand opening of Fireside School in Cochrane, said sharing the celebration with staff and students was wonderful.

"It's unbelievable. You gotta remember, sometimes when I'm up in Edmonton trying to make these decisions, it has a direct impact on families, making life better for Alberta families every step of the way."

Chair Brand had an opportunity to tour the school, guided by a Windsong student. He felt the new facility was something the division should be proud of.

"I am absolutely thrilled with this building, it's an amazing learning space. But you know what, as always when we get a chance to tour the schools, I'm more amazed by the actual students themselves, and this school is already developing such a sense of leadership and culture."

Brand said even though the school has only been together for a handful of months, their pride is already evident.

 

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