Change of Venue

As bad as this summer started weather-wise, things turned around in late July and have continued to be very enjoyable. So I’m sure there’s not too many of our youth who are quite ready to give it up yet, in order to file back into the classroom after a relaxing and active summer break.

And while most will be shuddering at the thought of school re-opening, the students, parents and teachers at Gander Collegiate, and to some degree St. Paul’s Intermediate, are in limbo as to just how their academic year will begin.

Some very much-needed renovations have been ongoing at Gander Collegiate over the summer, but as of today, they still haven’t been completed.

As of Monday, there were still no windows installed, and no official word given to either of the aforementioned three groups as to whether or not it will be completed in time for that return of students.

While high school students have attended classes that have been held at schools in the province with some form of construction occurring around them, I’m pretty sure none, or at least in recent years, have gone to stay in a windowless classroom or with windows covered in tarps.

However, looking at what was remaining to be done last week, in addition to upcoming gymnasium project, it’s hard to believe GC students will be in their own school come Sept. 8. -

Just two weeks ago, Cindy Fleet, CEO and director of education for the district, told The Beacon that Nova Central School District wanted “to make sure all other parts of the building are back in use before school opens.”

The other parts of Gander Collegiate Ms. Fleet was referring to was the building with the exception of the gymnasium, which she said, “the roof of the gym will be started after school opens.”

However, looking at what was remaining to be done last week, in addition to the upcoming gymnasium project, it’s hard to believe GC students will be in their own school come Sept. 8.

This leaves a question, with just one week to go until classes start — will GC students be attending GC or will, as some rumours are said could be happening, attending St. Paul’s with a daily extended split schedule?