As the school year winds down, graduating seniors at Queen's College (QC) were able to see a dream realized and one that they had helped to finance - the construction of a two-story, eight-room classroom block at the school on Village Road.
The students raised $40,000 that will go toward furnishing the new high school classroom block that started in September and was officially opened last week.
"We made a promise to our 12th graders that they would see this block when they graduated, and that was important because they were very instrumental in helping us raise the most money ever in the history of Queen's College with this year's walkathon. It was the entire school, but the twelfth grade led the way, and in six weeks they raised $40,000 -- money that went towards furnishing the classrooms. That money was raised from the beginning of September to about the third week in October, and we really wanted to honor the promise made and we did and [the graduating seniors] were grateful," said Shaun Turnquest, vice-principal.
Constructed to the tune of approximately $1 million, the building houses eight classrooms, eight storage rooms and two restrooms. A key feature is a bridge that connects the new classroom block to an existing classroom block. The new classroom block houses classes in three subject areas: Spanish, mathematics and social sciences (history, geography and social studies).
"The new block was built to provide a degree of comfort to our students and our staff.
It was not built to increase our student population [approximately 800]," said Turnquest. "This just gives a lot more space with which to work," she said of the classrooms that are large, modern and have lots of storage space.
The new classrooms can comfortably hold up to 30 students, various learning centers and computing areas.
"They're big enough for teachers to creatively use the space," said Turnquest. "Some will include a reading area with a couch and carpet, where kids can do some research and engage in reading for pleasure as well. These are classrooms that permit teachers to do beyond what they've been able to do in the past."
She said interactive white boards would also be installed. The new block will also allow teachers who have been 'floating' to have their own classrooms.
The new classroom block sits on five acres of property purchased in 2010 for future expansion of the school. The bridge that connects the new block to the old school signifies the connection of the 124-year-old institution's legendary past to its glorious future and a dynamic present.
The high school classroom block was made possible through contributions from past alumni, Sir Durward Knowles, Godfrey Kelly, George Mosko, Lady Anne Johnstone and Sonia Kelly, as well as the $40,000 raised by the members of the senior class.
"We are grateful that many old scholars contributed towards the building, and Sir Durward Knowles led the way in fundraising, but to be honest, many alumni contributed. Some contributed very small amounts, but for every dollar we are grateful," said Turnquest.
QC's Director of Development Janelle Albury, during the opening of the classroom block, said that in construction a combination of building materials and processes intricately fits together to result in building of learning, sharing and fellowship, but that the components mean nothing individually. She said the project only takes shape when the different items come together as a whole; similarly, the donations, time, talent and support from everyone involved in the project helped to form the edifice within which the minds of future leaders of the country will be formed.

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