While most school staff took the summer off, our Planning & Facilities department worked tirelessly to ensure our schools were ready for #ocsbFirstDay.
In addition to spotless classrooms, pristine hallways, and gleaming gym floors, many schools underwent significant upgrades. These included ventilation improvements, enhanced lighting, roofing replacements, upgraded plumbing, flooring, and electrical work. Some changes took place behind the walls and ceilings and will be hard to spot; others will be hard to miss, including those at St. James School, where students will return to a brand new addition with six new classrooms.
Improved ventilation and air quality at Prince of Peace.
Two new rooftop HVAC units will enhance the ventilation of six classrooms and a staff room on the school’s second floor. Students may not see the difference, but they’ll certainly feel it when the weather gets hot outside, and the new air conditioning ensures that classrooms stay cool.
Renovated washrooms at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Students returned to a school with modernized washroom facilities, including contactless fixtures such as faucets and hand dryers. At the same time, improved accessibility upgrades include door-hold-open devices and accessible bathroom stalls designed to serve the entire student community better.
Refurbished reception area at St. Pius X High School
The school’s main reception area has a new counter and floor that reflect the school’s colours. The original reception desk was constructed in 1992 and did not account for differently abled students, staff, or members of the public who need to interact at the front desk. The new reception desk has an open, accessible section allowing easier access for students or visitors who use mobility devices. The OCSB has plans to replace all of the reception desks that are of the same vintage with new barrier-free desks. This is part of a larger effort to improve the accessibility of our older schools.
A full summer workload
On top of those described here, the OCSB Planning and Facilities department staff coordinated over 100 other projects throughout the summer. Their hard work enabled students and staff to start the new school year off in enhanced learning and workspaces.