By Heather Birchall
After 96 years, the Creemore Annex, originally the Creemore Public and Continuation School, is closing.
I know many current and former students, staff and parents have mixed feelings about letting go of such a large part of our school’s history. But many have also shared with me their excitement about this decision and their optimism about the positive changes that this consolidation will bring.
From a principal’s point of view, I see it as a positive move. Having all staff and students at one site will mean everything we do becomes more efficient, more connected. From curriculum planning, to access to the gym and our amazing library, there are so many positives. Older students will have daily contact with younger ones, as mentors and role models – and friends. Younger students (and their teachers) will feel more part of the fabric of the entire school. This will result in more consistency in all aspects of school life – from curriculum to discipline to art and music programs.
I, too, will miss the warm, polished wood trim, the gorgeous murals and the special environment of this building built with love and care so many years ago. I hope to see many of you at our Open House on Thursday, June 19, and look forward to hearing more stories of the Annex’s fabled history before we “say goodbye.”
Heather Birchall is Principal of Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School.
You are invited to attend a Goodbye Open House at the NCPS Annex
at 35 Caroline Street West
on Thursday, June 19
1 pm to 3:30 pm
Assembly at 2 pm
Public tour of the school from 5:30 to 7 pm