Inauguration of the Expansion of Golden Valley School

Monday, December 14, 2009

Mr. Pierre Corbeil, Minister of Native Affaires and member of the Quebec legislature for Abitibi-East, celebrated the opening of the new classrooms and laboratories on behalf of Minister of Education, Michelle Courchesne.  Also present were Fernand Trahan, Mayor of Val-d’Or;  representatives of the Western Quebec School Board: Colin O’Shea, Director of Material Resources; Commissioners Bob Young and Mitch Larivière; John Cosgrove, Consultant; Luc Fortin, Architect; representatives of the various contractors involved with the construction project; invited guests:  Gina Richmond, Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre; Roberta Caldwell, retired teacher and volunteer; Danny and Deanna Winters, volunteers; various staff members, and Jane Lavery, Principal.

Minister Corbeil spoke about the investment in the school which included a new roof, a new furnace, new classrooms and laboratories and the new library. The new facilities will provide more active learning opportunities for the students in science and technology.  Mr. Trahan also welcomed the improvements and noted that the demand for primary and secondary English education will grow as the university and CÉGEP English programs grow in years to come.  Mr. Young and Mr. Larivère brought good wishes from the board and remarked on the opportunities that the new facilities will provide to the students of Golden Valley School.
Mrs. Lavery expressed sincere appreciation to all parties involved in the construction project.  Particular mention was made about the new library facilities.  Miss Roberta Caldwell along with Danny and Deanna Winters were thanked for their hard work in getting the library in shape in just two and a half weeks.  These tenacious volunteers were given a fruit basket and thank you cards created and signed by all the elementary students in appreciation of their kindness and generosity.

Mrs. Lavery spoke about the work Miss Caldwell has provided in maintaining the library over her many years in Val d’Or.  Just since 1997, Ms. Caldwell has packed and unpacked the library three times.  Miss Caldwell believes that the library is the heart of any school.  To honour her dedication to our school and its heart, the library will be called the “Roberta Caldwell Library”.  Ms. Caldwell was presented with flowers and was shown a mock up of the plaque that will adorn the library entrance.

Immediately after the inauguration, Mrs. Sally Smalley gave Mrs. Lavery a most generous donation intended specifically for use in the library.