County announces new consolidated school for Windsor Forks, Three Mile Plains

WINDSOR, NS — In front of about three dozen 5th grade students and teachers, the Nova Scotia Secretary of Education announced plans to merge two West Hants schools.

On June 27, Becky Druhan, Secretary of Education and Early Childhood Development, said a new school will be built to replace Windsor Forks and Three Mile Plains district schools.

Druhan asked the students to envision the new school, which would have “a large, bright gymnasium, incredible outdoor and indoor play areas and learning areas, maybe a dedicated room for making music, and certainly hallways and rooms that are really accessible and inclusive.” are for all of you.”

The school’s replacement is part of the county’s five-year school capital plan, which invests nearly $948 million in building new schools or improving existing ones. Three other new consolidated schools were announced earlier this year. They will be built in Trenton, New Germany and Porters Lake.

“We know that these two schools are loved and there will be questions about forming one large school community. Answering these questions and working with the community to solve challenges and seize opportunities is all part of the process,” she said in the announcement.

Druhan said communities will have the opportunity to weigh in on the plan as consultation sessions will be held.

The schools are part of the Annapolis Valley Regional Center for Education (AVRCE). The existing school locations are both considered during the location selection process.

In an interview following the announcement, Druhan said she expects the AVRCE to begin consultations in the fall. The new school is expected to open in 2029.

Diana Dunn, the principal of Windsor Forks District School, which was built in 1964, and Craig MacDonald, the principal of Three Mile Plains District School, which was built in 1963, spoke of the exciting times ahead for the school community lie.

“I think I speak for both communities when I say that we love our schools and they are an important part of our communities,” says Dunn, noting that each school has been a staple of the community for decades. But they show their age.

“Having a new, modern school to support student education and success will benefit our future students and our communities,” said Dunn.

“The classrooms will be modern and adaptable to meet the needs of all students.”

Windsor Forks currently uses several portable classrooms, meaning students must travel outside of the main school to access them. When the new school is built, that will no longer be the case – something Dunn would certainly stress.

“And most importantly, for us at Windsor Forks, you don’t have to worry about the weather being cold, wet, or snowy when you go to library, tutoring, or music.”

While the announcement says fifth grade students will be attending Avon View High School by the time the new school is built, Dunn said she hopes they will continue to be leaders and interested in helping plan the new school.

“In the coming years, our two communities will have the opportunity to shape the vision of this new school. It’s important that we include the culture and connections of both Windsor Forks and Three Mile Plains,” Dunn said.

MacDonald said the new school represents a unique opportunity for the area.

“Both of our school communities have unique histories and strengths. I know that in Three Mile Plains there is tremendous pride in our connection to the traditional African Nova Scotia community and that many of our families in our school community have deep roots that span generations,” he said.

“Merging our two schools into one building is an opportunity to weave those communities into the fabric of the new school culture.”

Three Mile Plains District School currently has 145 students, while Windsor Forks District School has 123 students.