In December it was announced that money was being set aside in the Capital Budget of the Department of Early Education and Childhood Development (EECD) for a new school in Chatham to replace the aging St. Andrews and Ian Baillie Elementary Schools. It was a relief to the committee who lobbied hard for years for a new school, especially after the group felt their needs were overlooked in the previous year’s budget when a new, and much needed, K-8 school was announced for Miramichi West (Newcastle).
Last week Minister of Tourism and Miramichi MLA Bill Fraser said an announcement was pending on the location for the new school, but a date hadn't been set as his schedule and the schedule of the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development had to be sorted out.
This morning, Mrs. Robinson, Principal of St. Andrews, invited students to participate in an announcment on Friday, August 7th at 2pm on King Street next to Tweedie Manor. She said all family members were invited to come, and she invited all interested student to participate in a choir that will be singing at th event, and informed them of two pratices.
Other announcements for new school constructions took place at the sites where the schools would be constructed, so it should be safe to assume that the new K-5 school will be constructed in the field on King Street, known as White's field, though the location has not been confirmed. This will likely make groups happy that were advising the DEC (District Education Council) to choose a site that would allow for the development of some sport fields.