Aerial view of Stirling School during construction (Photo credit: Ward Brothers Construction)

By Justin Goulet

Stirling School celebrates major upgrades

Sep 18, 2019 | 6:09 AM

STIRLING, AB – After around three years of hard work, Stirling School can celebrate.

The institution was one of the schools chosen across the province to receive funds for a modernization project by the Alberta government. The project was a joint venture between the provincial government, the Village of Stirling and the Westwind School Division.

The most significant upgrade to the facility is a new gymnasium. The school was able to showcase the new gym while hosting the 1A Boys basketball provincial championships earlier this year.

Principal Ingeborg Pot said the old gymnasium has been repurposed into a theatre, science lab, art room, green room and sound recording studio.

“The biggest impact is student learning. I think students will have more of an opportunity to take a variety of option classes, which they have not had – or were not able to do, because of a lack of space and now we have spaces where we can really forge ahead with so many different things, she told LNN.

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“We just started up a band program. Initially, we had 12 students sign up [and] right now, we’re up to 30 and we’re only in week three (of the school year). It’s fantastic to see parents and students excited about that.”

A video showcasing the modernization can be seen here.

While modernization work was underway, students in grade six to 12 were displaced into the Stirling Community Centre and the Lions Club building.

“The elementary school had to switch over classes from one phase to another, so that they could stay within the school boundaries,” Pot added.

“It was hard on everybody, but we weathered the storm and we have a fantastic product because of it.”

As for any growth in registration numbers resulting from the upgrades, Pot said that’s a real possibility.

“Within the community, we have several of our subdivided sections within the community that are looking to sell lots. There’s always homes for sale and I think that increases the possibility of students coming here. I know that we have several classes that are at capacity for right now, but you know, we’re always looking to add [students].”

The new gym at Stirling School (Photo credit: Ward Brothers Construction)

The school currently serves about 336 students from pre-school to grade 12. The village’s population stands at around 1,300 people.

“I’m just so thankful for this opportunity for us to have what we have in a very small community, but it is amazing. It’s a beautiful structure. It is fun to come to school into a building that is bright and light and clean and modern.”

The modernization project cost was approximately $15 million.