Our Lady of Grace School in Evanston 'hub of community,' Catholic superintendent says

A new Catholic school in northwest Calgary boasts some innovative features, including anamphitheatre for outdoor learning.

Our Lady of Grace opened its doors earlier this month in Evanston and school officials gave a tour on Wednesday to Education Minister David Eggen.

School principal Judy Yurchuk said the new school was built according to 21st-century design concepts that focus on personalized learning.

What works for one student may not for another, she says.

"I was in a classroom just the other day and it was a Grade 7 math class, there were some students at a table, some students sitting on the floor working together, some at a desk working alone. So it's really not looking at a one-size-fits-all model."

Other features include standing desks in the learning commons, break-out rooms, and wider hallways.

The school cost $13.8 million to build and can accommodate 900 students.

The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD)has more than 54,000 students in 105 schools in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and Rocky View County.

CCSD chief superintendent Gary Strother says opening new schools in residential areas is beneficial for everyone in the area.

"This is the hub of the community, so when we get to build schools right in the community where the kids can walk to school, it makes a huge difference for everyone," he said.

The board has three more schools set to open this year in the fast-growing southeast quadrant, five more next year city-wide, and a new high school slated for 2018.

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