New Nora Frances Henderson Delayed due to COVID-19
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Hamilton, Ontario – May 15, 2020: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s (HWDSB) newest secondary school, Nora Frances Henderson, currently under construction, will have its September opening delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19.
The Ontario government announced in April that some construction projects were deemed essential and could continue during COVID-19. School construction did not meet the criteria to be deemed essential and was paused. Construction activities resumed on May 4, when the Ontario government lifted this emergency order.
“Students, families and staff are anticipating the opening of the new school and we share in their disappointment that we have to adjust our timelines based on the impacts of COVID-19,” said Alex Johnstone, Chair of the Board.
The plan to open a school involves the coordination of general contractors and deliveries, followed by staff time to access the building and prepare the school for learning. School renewal projects, outside a pandemic, require aggressive timelines.
“We are keeping the realities of the pandemic situation in mind as we proceed with the construction project at Nora Frances Henderson,” continued Johnstone. “With health and safety our top priority and with the public health restrictions, we are being responsible in our planning. We are so excited when the time comes to celebrate with families and staff the opening of our new secondary school.”
HWDSB is considering all options at this time, which includes opening the school as early as possible but no later than January 2021.
In May 2012, HWDSB Trustees approved the closure of Barton, Hill Park and Mountain secondary schools and the construction of a new high school on the southeast mountain. The new Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School will be located southwest of the intersection of Rymal and Upper Sherman. The school will accommodate 1,250 students from Grade 9 to Grade 12 in an approximately 166,000 square foot three-storey secondary school.
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Media Contact:
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
905.515.6227 | [email protected]
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.