HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-11-06_MR_NR Community School
MEDIA RELEASE
NEW ROSS – In a community well-known for working together, New Ross has one more reason
to celebrate. Just in time for the 2018-19 school year, New Ross Consolidated School (NRCS) was
designated a community school by the South Shore Regional Centre for Education.
Almost two years ago, in November 2016, the New Ross School Partnership Committee pitched
an idea to Council for the Municipality of Chester: designate NRCS as a community school. It made
sense. Why not use an existing facility to house events and activities wanted by the community?
Besides, the Municipal Recreation & Parks Department already did outreach in the New Ross
area, there were no other close gym facilities, and the existing school was being underutilized.
A partnership was born.
This past July, Council approved a draft Joint Use Agreement with the South Shore Regional
Centre for Education (former School Board). Similar to Forest Heights Community School and
Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary, the Agreement outlined – in black and white - when and
how the school can be used by the public. The “unwritten” agreement locked in community
access to a well-loved landmark and secured its future.
Shortly after that, on September 1, the School was "open for business". On September 20, an
open house celebration and meet-the-teacher were held. In attendance was representation from
the Municipality with Councillor Tina Connors, Recreation & Parks Director Chad Haughn, and
Community Development Coordinator Nadine Hackney, as well as Brian Smith and Scott Milner
from the Centre for Education.
“The biggest part of being designated a community school is having the community, especially
kids, see this as a space for learning outside of regular school curriculum,” said Ms. Hackney.
“This project will build stronger relationships within the community and do it successfully
because people are invested.”
Right now, the goal is to increase community use and awareness of the facility. Already, Family
Gym Night is happening with the New Ross Family Resource Centre, and the New Ross
Community Food Project held a pickling workshop. Ms. Hackney spends a couple of days a week
in her office located at NRCS and will work with the community to bring programming to the site.
DATE: November 6, 2018
SUBJECT: Community Celebrates School
Designation
STATUS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 Media Release
The public can suggest ideas to Ms. Hackney or book the facility for their own activities.
Public hours are from 2:30 to 9:00 pm, pending school activities, of course. Available space
includes the gymnasium, kitchen and community room, conference room, and classrooms and
computer room as needed. Outdoor spaces are also available, including playground, track, field,
outdoor gym, and tennis courts; all within easy access to the neighbouring trail.
To book an event or activity, call Ms. Hackney at 902-275-8503 or email her at
nhackney@chester.ca
CONTACT INFORMATION
Allen Webber, Warden
Municipality of the District of Chester
902-275-3554 office
902-275-8373 cell
awebber@chester.ca
www.chester.ca
Chad Haughn, Director of Parks & Recreation
Municipality of the District of Chester
902-275-4124 office
902-275-8191 cell
chaughn@chester.ca
www.chester.ca