Ryan Irving and Brad van Middelkoop co-principal Holy Trinity Academy, a new K-9 Catholic school expected to be under construction in early 2025.--HANDOUT PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Ryan Irving and Brad van Middelkoop will co-principal the new Holy Trinity Academy K-9 Catholic school which will begin construction early next year.
The division announced Tuesday that Irving, currently principal of St. Francis Xavier, will be joined by Middelkoop, current principal at St. Mary’s, as the school’s first set of co-principals.
According to a release, both administrators have dedicated significant time to developing the vision and design of the new school.
“They strive to ensure that staff needs are met and that the programs from St. Francis Xavier, St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s schools will be well-represented in the new facility,” the release reads. “We believe that together, they will provide excellent leadership for staff and a quality educational experience for our students.”
Tonight the division is inviting parents and interested members of the public to take a first look during an open house and virtual tour at new design plans for Holy Trinity, which will be constructed on the current St. Francis Xavier School site on Eighth Street NE.
During a recent public meeting, Catholic board trustees shared their excitement around the building design that boasts a 400-seat theatre, two full-sized gymnasiums and dedicated educational spaces for specific programs like science, dance and arts.
Accessibility has also been at the forefront of design, and once complete it will be one of the most accessible schools for students in Alberta.
“Right from the design of the accessible bathrooms to classrooms with movable shelving … It should be one of the most accessible schools in the province, so we’re really excited about that,” said superintendent Dwayne Zarichny.
The three-hour open house begins at 5 p.m. today and will be held in the St. Francis Xavier School gymnasium.
The open house will include a virtual tour hosted by the architect and design team that will allow residents to take a ‘walk’ through the new building using their smartphones. A large screen will also be projected in the gym showing the virtual tour for those not interested in using a smartphone.
Holy Trinity Academy has gone to tender and the division expects to break ground early in the new year. If all goes according to schedule, Holy Trinity is expected to be completed by 2027.
