Education Minister Don McRae and North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto were joined by students, staff, parents, school district officials and local dignitaries for the official grand opening and dedication of the new $38-million Carson Graham Secondary school today.

The new replacement school, with capacity for 1,100 students, is one of the most technologically advanced in the province. Among its many design features, the school has a robotics and pre-engineering lab, computer animation design facilities, a full professional teaching kitchen, computer labs and high-tech audiovisual and data systems for classrooms.

The new school features a small-scale, solar panel array on its roof that will supply a portion of the school's electricity and hot water needs. The system will also be used for demonstration and teaching purposes.

The original Carson Graham Secondary was built in 1964, with additions in 1966, 1973 and 2001. In 2008, a feasibility study determined that costs for a seismic retrofit, building systems upgrade and other requirements would exceed the replacement cost. Construction of the new Carson Graham Secondary began three years ago and was completed in August.

Today's event also saw Carson Graham teacher Robert Olson awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the community and his professional excellence as a teacher. The medal was presented to Olson by North Vancouver Member of Parliament, Andrew Saxton.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Education -

"The new Carson Graham Secondary's state-of-the-art technology gives students the chance to experience a wide variety of skills and trades training in a dynamic environment."

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA, North Vancouver-Lonsdale -

"Students and teachers will enjoy one of the most technically advanced high schools in B.C. for generations to come. Carson Graham students will have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment, including robotics and digital animation facilities, a modern teaching kitchen and computer labs."

Franci Stratton, chair, North Vancouver board of education -

"We are grateful for the ministry's foresight and recognition of the necessity to both rebuild and seismically upgrade Carson Graham Secondary. The new Carson Graham is a model of sustainable school design and current safety standards. This a great step forward in our vision to provide welcoming, safe and sustainable facilities across the North Vancouver school district."

John Lewis, superintendent, North Vancouver school district -

"An International Baccalaureate school, Carson Graham Secondary serves a richly diverse student population with a broad-range of engaging academic, athletic, arts and career programs. Leading-edge contemporary school design and the collaborative contributions of students, educators and school-based administrators have combined to create a facility that meets the needs of today's students, with flexibility for the future."

Quick Facts:

* Since 2001, 16 capital and seismic projects worth more than $87.7 million have been completed in the North Vancouver school district. The B.C. government has also invested $195,000 for 13 classroom conversions for full-day kindergarten.

* Over the past year, the B.C. government has committed $353 million in funding for new school and school expansion projects and more than $122 million as part of its seismic mitigation program to provide structural upgrades at 14 high-priority schools.

* Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions throughout British Columbia.

Learn More:

* BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

* Learn more about BC's Skills and Training Plan:

http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Education

250 356-5963

Connect with the government of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

(flickr.com)