May 9th, 2017
On May 4, the Hawks swooped-in and officially unveiled Vista Hills Public School to more than 300 students, parents, staff and community members. Vista Hills PS has taken pride in ensuring there are opportunities for collaboration and creating a learning hub for the residents of the community.
In addition to students, staff and community members, the school welcomed many special guests, including Daiene Vernile, Kitchener-Centre MPP, Catherine Fife, Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Ted Martin, WRDSB Vice-Chair, John Bryant, WRDSB director of education, and Elaine Ranney, superintendent of student achievement & well-being. They were joined by Paul Sapounzi, Ventin Group Architects, who presented the school key.
“A school without students is just a building. It’s the students, staff and parents, here tonight, who make it a successful learning environment that it’s already become,” said Ted Martin, vice-chair and trustee for Kitchener.
Ed Bourdeau, Principal Oberle and student MCs accept school key during Vista Hills PS official school opening on May 4, 2017.
Students and staff have occupied the school since September and have already established an innovative, 21st century teaching approach to character and community development. The school refers to its students as the Hope, Efficacy, Resiliency and Optimism (HERO) Generation, who provide Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEMs).
This year, Vista Hills PS has been recognized as one of two Ontario schools for their social innovation, and invited to join Ashoka’s Global Changemakers’ school network.
“Each day, student voice and engagement are important as we work together to ensure student success at Vista Hills PS,” said Don Oberle, principal at Vista Hills PS. “Vista Hills Hawks are HEROs, who provide GEMs, every day, which has resulted in a positive foundation for learning.”
Once at capacity, the futuristic, fully accessible school will be home to more than 640 students, from kindergarten to grade 8, including French Immersion. The exterior design of the school is inspired by the winter landscape in rural Ontario with the dark earth tone brick and white metal panels representing snow drifting over the open fields. The school is located on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral people.
Stay connected with Vista Hills Public School — visit www.vis.wrdsb.ca or follow @VisWRDSB on Twitter.
Trustee Smith, Ed Bourdeau, MPP Fife, Trustee Woodcock, Director Bryant, Principal Oberle, Vice-Chair Martin, MPP Vernile, Trustee Millar, Todd McDougall, Superintendent Ranney at Vista Hills PS’s official opening on May 4, 2017.