Bluewater District School Board is pleased to announce that the new building to replace John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover will officially open to students and staff at the start of the next school year in September 2019. The new location, situated on the east side of 18th Avenue between 6th and 1st Streets, will continue to offer programming for Grade 7 – 12, including French Immersion.

An earlier plan involved moving students and staff into the new facility by the middle of the current school year. However, board staff have determined that a September 2019 timeline would ensure a smoother and less disruptive transition for those involved, while allowing additional time for the contractor to complete all aspects of the project.

The move to the new site will get underway in June following the end-of-school-year exam period. A transition plan will also be coordinated to support students and staff.

“There has been the will for a replacement facility for John Diefenbaker Senior School among many members of the community for a very long time. We are pleased to see this significant project near its completion, and know that current and future generations of Bluewater students will reap the benefits of a state-of-the-art new school for years to come,” says Board Chair Ron Motz.

“This is an exciting time for students, staff and families in the Hanover area as we prepare for the relocation of John Diefenbaker Senior School. We look forward to continuing the school’s strong legacy and program excellence in a new and improved learning environment as of the 2019 – 2020 school year,” says Superintendent of Education Paul Hambleton.

The build project is being funded through approximately 20.8 million dollars from the Ministry of Education’s School Consolidation Capital program.

A grand opening ceremony for the new John Diefenbaker Senior School will be planned for the fall of 2019 with further details provided as they become available.

source: media release, BWDSB