Students, faculty, alumni and friends have said their goodbyes to the historic buildings of Oak Bay High.
And now the work begins preparing for the future as the new $55 million, 151,000 square foot, school is set to open in September.
There is now a final push to complete a fundraising campaign for the $1.7 million needed to realize the full vision of the new Oak Bay High School.
The provincial government is funding the vast majority of the construction costs and the project is on-time and on-budget. In the concept and design phase, the community was extensively consulted to help design a new school that incorporates facilities and programs that complement and enhance those available from local government and organizations.
“The new Oak Bay High School will offer extraordinary opportunities for all Oak Bay residents. In addition to providing a state-of-the-art educational facility for our children, the Neighbourhood Learning Centre will expand program opportunities for every age group,” said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen.
A partnership of the school administration, the parents advisory committee, the alumni association along with the District of Oak Bay and the Bays United Football Club are working together to raise the additional funds needed to realize the vision of the school. Alumni, community members and businesses are invited to rediscover the new Oak Bay High and invest in the future.
“Oak Bay High School has a tradition of excellence that is unparalleled,” said principal Dave Thomson. “We knew that with the construction of the new school there was a unique opportunity to bring that tradition of excellence to enhance the community as a whole. We look forward to welcoming children and families, alumni and seniors to the new school facilities.”
Good progress has been made on the original target of $2.7 million thanks to generous Oak Bay supporters. Funding of $1.7 million is still required for technology and furnishing upgrades for the academic spaces, completion of the 420-seat community theatre and the construction of a fully lit, artificial turf soccer field.
For more information about the Opening the Doors Fundraising Campaign visit www.oakbayhigh.com.
editor@oakbaynews.com