The new joint-use school on South Hill officially marked its opening on Oct. 8 with a grand ceremony, following its first day of classes in September and a milestone first for Moose Jaw.

The 110,000-square-foot facility at 1700 Vermont Road houses Coteau Hills Elementary and Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, merging four former schools — Empire, Westmount, St. Mary and Sacred Heart — into one. The $68.2 million project marks a new era of collaboration between Prairie South and Holy Trinity Catholic school divisions.

Designed for up to 1,100 students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 8, the three-storey facility features modern classrooms, a cultural room, shared kitchen lab, makerspace and a 51-space child care centre.

Premier Scott Moe joined division leaders, staff and students for the ceremony.

“It’s great to have a new building with all of the new things that the new building can bring,” he said. “But most certainly, it is not about the building; it’s about what happens within the building and the people that walk through the door every morning.”

Principals Trish Alexander and Justin Clewis opened the ceremony. “Being part of a joint-use school offers a unique privilege to bring together two communities under one roof, creating a shared space where partnerships grow, students thrive, and everyone feels a sense of belonging,” said Alexander, principal of Coteau Hills Elementary, alongside Clewis, principal of Our Lady of Hope. “Watching our teams bring this vision to life has been both inspiring and deeply rewarding.”

Clewis added that the school communities are already forming new friendships and opportunities: “We’re no longer just the little schools that could — we’re becoming a powerhouse in extracurricular sports … and activities. This is a place where everyone has a chance to shine and excel in what interests you,” he said.

Students Brady from Our Lady of Hope and Ruby from Coteau Hills shared their first impressions.

“When I heard that I was going to be at the school, I had mixed feelings about it. I love St. Mary (School) … but coming here on the first day …, I realized how awesome the opportunity to have a school like this was — having cooking classes, collaboration spaces, couches, and these great big open windows … every student is lucky to have the opportunity to come to a school like this every day,” Brady said.

Ruby also shared her experience. “Experiencing the opening of the school was so exciting and cool to see … I was so excited to meet new teachers, new students, and start the school year,” she said, adding that the best part was that “we have our own lockers.”

SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said the investment represents “a significant investment in the future of our children and our community,” with division leaders in agreement.

“Prairie South Schools is proud to be part of this innovative project,” said Director of Education Ryan Boughen. “Every corner of this school reflects a commitment to collaboration, creativity and student-centred learning.”

Joann Blazieko, board chair for Holy Trinity, described the project as “a beacon of hope, unity, and possibilities.”

“This school is more than a building,” she said. “It is a symbol of what is possible when education is rooted in hope, and when hope is shared across traditions and communities of faith.”

Amanda Olson, superintendent of learning for Prairie South, echoed that sentiment, calling the facility “a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we work together.”

“Every corner of the school reflects a commitment to collaboration, creativity, and student-centred learning,” Olson said. “This school is something our students, our staff, and our community truly deserved.”

Built through collaboration between local leaders, school divisions, and the province, the new school is now a reality.

“I encourage you to dream and dream big,” Moe told students. “You are the leaders of tomorrow … and you have the environment now to do that.”

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express