WINDSOR, N.S. — The West Hants Education Centre and Windsor Adult High School will soon be on the move.
Hants West MLA Chuck Porter announced the news while addressing a packed classroom at the Windsor-based educational institute Nov. 14.
Porter said while the details are still being ironed out, he said a move will be happening in the foreseeable future.
And with the lease expired at the existing Wentworth Road location, that comes as welcomed news.
“There are a couple of locations that are being looked at that will meet your needs and allow you to grow as well,” said Porter, who was making the announcement on behalf of Education Minister Zach Churchill.
The schools currently share a building with BioVectra, a Canadian contract drug manufacturer.
Porter said due to negotiations, he couldn’t specify what properties the government is considering, or how much the government is willing to spend. However, he said the province is committed to finding a new home for the educational institute, and keeping it in a centralized location.
“I don’t have an actual timeline, but soon,” said Porter, who noted the sooner the better.
When asked how many students commute from outside of Windsor, several hands shot up in the air. Some students come from down the shore; at least one travels from Avonport.
Porter said with a more reliable transportation system, he thinks even more students would be able to take advantage of the programs available. He said that was an area he would discuss further with his party.
Making the announcement to invest in adult learning was something that struck a chord for Porter.
“It is always great that we are able to have programs like this, and I can tell you that from experience — having graduated from the adult high school program after leaving school at a younger age,” said Porter.
When he left school, he headed west. But it wasn’t quite the land of opportunities that he had imagined. Porter returned to Nova Scotia and graduated from the Windsor Adult High School in the 1980s, which opened the doors to post-secondary education. He went on to become a paramedic and he has served the Nova Scotia government since 2006, representing the Hants West region.
“Our education is paramount and I know you all know that for having committed to being here,” said Porter, as he addressed the crowded room, which featured a range of ages.
He stressed to the students that with an education, they can pursue any careers they want.
“You can do anything you want, remember that.”
Principal Dylan Irvine said the announcement offers the schools an exciting opportunity.
“For a long time, we have been seeking to expand our programs and we do look to do that in the near future,” said Irvine.
“This is a very bright future for adult learning and for experiential learning in this area.”
DID YOU KNOW?
- The West Hants Education Centre is for youth between the ages of 15 and 17 that are interested in obtaining a high school diploma or completing Grade 12 via experiential education.
It’s for students who may not do well in a traditional school setting, or who have difficulties with getting along with teachers and classmates, or who struggle with school attendance.
The school offers smaller class sizes to address more individualized learning needs.
- The Windsor Adult High School is intended for learners who are 18 years of age or older, who have been out of school for at least one semester and are at a Grade 11 or 12 education level. Semesters start in September and in February.
