GERALDTON: The Municipality of Greenstone and Superior-Greenstone District School Board, (SGDSB) will be hosting a Grand Opening Ceremony for Geraldton Day Care Centre and EarlyON Centre on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 at 2 p.m.
In their news release, the municipality described the project as made possible from funding by the Ministry od Education in 2017, and in partnership with the Municipality of Greenstone. This project truly represented a community partnership, as it is also one supported by the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board.
As a result, B. A. Parker Public School was retrofitted and expanded to include the Day Care and EarlyOn Centres.
GeryLynn Christianson, administrative assistant for SGDSB, shared that, “Plans for this project were first announced in February of 2017, with funding that would see the Geraldton Child Care and Best Start Centre relocated to the B.A. Parker/Geraldton Composite High School complex. At that time, the school board had received confirmation from the Ministry of Education that the funding amount had increased from the $1.6 million that was initially reported, to just over $3.2 million.”
Municipality of Greenstone mayor commented on the importance of having this modern facility with much needed spaces for the children in their community. Greenstone Mayor, Renaud Y. Beaulieu stated, “The Municipality is thrilled to have a modern facility that offers, warm, inviting spaces for the children in our community. We are very appreciative of the opportunity afforded to us by the Ministry of Education and all the partners involved, to allow us to offer more spaces to meet the needs of the community.”
The development of this day care and the EarlyOn centre would bring long needed improvements to the day care programs available to families. Greenstone Mayor Renald Beaulieu added that, “It will improve access and the quality of daycare services within Greenstone.”
The SGDSB Director of Education, Nicole Morden Cormier explained that the expansion and programs offered by this new facility aligns with the Ministry’s vision for the creation of what is described as “community hubs”; and how smooth transition from one educational setting to another affects student success.
Morden-Cormier stated affirmed that, “The building expansion supports a seamless and integrated system of programs and services that is in line with the Ministry’s vision for the creation of community hubs. As educators we know that the transition between programs, care and educational settings are crucial to student well-being and directly influences the level of success students will experience. The new complex provides high quality, accessible programs with continuity for children and families, from birth to adulthood.”
Schedule for the day of the grand opening:
- 2 p.m. Opening Ceremony
- 2:30 p.m. Tours and exploring
- 3 p.m. Refreshments and play
“We are extremely grateful for the funding and partnerships that made this project possible,” added Morden-Cormier.
Families and community members are invited to attend the grand opening set to take place Aug. 31, 2022, at 2 p.m. at B.A. Parker and Geraldton Composite High School.