Glenbrook Elementary hosts official grand opening

May 7, 2014 · 0 Comments

With the air of a “royal” visit Glenbrook Elementary held its official grand opening on Thursday, May 1st at 7 p.m. Students Nicholas Bannon and Nicole Ristic-Petrovic emceed the grand ceremony. MPP Sylvia Jones, representing the Town of Shelburne, CAO/Clerk, John Telfer, Chair of the Upper Grand District School Board, Mark Bailey, Director of Education, Dr. Martha Rogers, Upper Grand District School Board’s Manager of Capital Projects and Renewal, Paul Scinocca, Linda Cruikshank, School Council Chair, Upper Grand District School Board’s Communication Officer, Maggie McFadzen, Senior Administration, Trustees and Student Trustees were in attendance amongst the completely packed gymnasium of proud parents, students and teachers.

In Principal Tom Thompson’s welcoming itinerary message, he stated, “We are happy to be celebrating with those who played such an important part in the creation of this facility and with those who are helping to develop a warm, positive and safe learning environment.” For those wondering how the name, ‘Glenbrook’ was arrived at, Thompson explained, “The school’s name, ‘Glenbrook’, symbolizes the uniting of the children who attend the school from the Fiddler’s Glen and Greenbrook subdivisions.”

Following Principal Thompson’s welcoming, the audience was delighted to hear the very talented Glenbrook Celebration Choir, directed by Grade 1 teacher, Lisa Jotham and Kate Horsley, accompaniment by Jessie Steinberg on drums and Laura Jotham on guitar.

The presentation of the school plaque by Chair of the Board, Mark Bailey came with a message that resounded throughout the audience and echoed the sentiment of the evening’s uplifting festivities. “This is a great school and it will become even better offering fresh opportunities and new beginnings,” commented Bailey.

MPP Sylvia Jones said, “I am so pleased that I was able to join students, staff, and parent volunteers as we celebrated the official opening of Glenbrook Elementary School in Shelburne. It is clear that there is already a strong school spirit at Glenbrook. I would like to wish Principal Tom Thompson and the entire school community all the best in years to come.”

On the recent growth in the Shelburne community, Town of Shelburne CAO, John Telfer, had this to say, “The Town was proud to help facilitate the land exchange and the approvals for the new school. It was a unique project but both the CDRC and the school benefitted from the improvement. The school has been justified with the continual growth in the residential sector and with the 321 homes coming to Greenbrook Village, as well as the homes east side of Owen Sound Street, this school will be full. With the neighbourhoods of Summerhill subdivision developing quickly, we see additional growth and enrollment added to Hyland Public School as well. I believe the new school was justified with the accelerated growth in Shelburne.”

Principal Thompson concluded the presentations with this message, “Many of you are familiar with the quotation, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. I would like to extend that thought further by suggesting that, ‘It takes a community to create a school’. A great number of people have worked in collaboration to provide an outstanding learning environment for the students at this school. It is our collective, social responsibility to provide the challenging and nurturing learning environment that will enable these children to achieve their goals.” Re-enforcing his commitment to his important position as Principal, to the students, the school and the community, Thompson proudly added, “We are here for the kids!”

Linda Cruikshank, School Council Chair told the Free Press, “Being the Chair of Glenbrook School Council has been a very rewarding experience this year as we strive to start new traditions and help enhance the school environment for all of our students. The parents of this school community have risen to the occasion and helped to support the school. We have raised over $25,000 this year, supported school needs and have a nice start to our playground fund. We are proud to work with such great parents, staff and students!”

A huge success, the evening also offered a wide array of sustenance including the coveted delicious cupcakes that most kids could barely contain themselves while waiting for. From the attendance of MPP, Sylvia Jones, most board members, the most excellent, talented choir, the speeches, teachers, parents and children, this opening marked a moment of pride for Shelburne and how can we forget to mention this fact for sports fans; Glenbrook is the new home of the Glenbrook Grizzlies!

By Alex Sher

Trustee, Lynn Topping commented, “I was so impressed by the ceremony. It was very to all that everyone, (Board and Trustees, Planning Department, Architects, Builders and the Staff of Glenbrook) have co-operated and communicated to make a very welcoming atmosphere and an energetic, wonderful learning environment for all the students. The community and parent support has been wonderful. Mr. Thompson and his staff created a very memorable event for all of us!”

Having celebrated the official grand opening several months after the school actually opened, Communication’s Officer for the Upper Grand District School Board, Maggie McFadzen observed and commented, “Glenbrook is the first new school built in Shelburne in many years serving a growing community. Already it has a feeling of community, thanks to the hard work of its Principal, Mr. Thompson and staff.”

A full house! Glenbrook Elementary School’s Official Grand Opening was a huge success and wonderful evening for all who attended!

(L to R) MPP Sylvia Jones and School Council Chair, Linda Cruikshank at the official grand opening festivities of Glenbrook Elementary on Thursday, May 1st.

(L to R) Perhaps summing up Glenbrook Elementary School’s official grand opening best is the ultimate example of investing in the future as generations are present. Grade 8 student and Office helper, Thomas Lynch is finishing his elementary education this year while his younger sister, 1 ½ year old Jocelyn will eventually attend Glenbrook.

Glenbrook’s Celebration Choir, comprised of Glenbrook students of all ages entertained a full audience during the school’s official Grand Opening Ceremonies showcasing extreme talent.