Harry Balfour Replacement School
Harry Balfour Replacement School
On November 1, 2019, Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) was awarded design and construction funding for the Harry Balfour Replacement School; watch the annoucement here. Replacing the old Harry Balfour School had been the PWPSD Board’s top capital plan priority for several years.
AMAN Builders Inc. was awarded the construction contract for the Harry Balfour Replacement School. The school opened September 2024.
Attendance area
View the Harry Balfour School attendance area.
Principal Jen Clevette tours the Harry Balfour Replacement School - September 2023
School design
- Start Architecture was named the successful design bidder in March 2021.
- The replacement school reflects elements of Whispering Ridge Community School that opened in 2018 to accommodate approximately half of Harry Balfour School’s rapidly growing enrolment.
-
Interior design of the replacement school, including room layout and breakout spaces, received tremendous
input from the School Design Committee. -
Using Whispering Ridge Community School as their starting point, the School Design Committee provided input on classroom design elements such as millwork and the design and location of teaching stations and whiteboards.
-
The design incorporated LEED® Silver requirements, in collaboration with Alberta Infrastructure.
Playground: In her announcement on November 1, 2019, Minister LaGrange also said parents no longer have to fundraise for playground equipment, as it is included in funding for new schools.Location: The County of Grande Prairie provided land at the Five Mile Hall site.
Advantage of the new location: By eliminating the additional time required to transport rural students through the busy central core of the city, the Board has achieved another important goal – educating County of Grande Prairie students where they live while reducing early morning pick-up and late drop-off times.
Playground
Thanks to Participarent, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and the Christmas concert admission and silent auction fundraisers, the new Harry Balfour School was able to open with a playground and other outdoor equipment for students to enjoy.
Outdoor Classrooms
Outdoor classrooms follow the principle that children learn everywhere and all the time. Learning by experience helps children grow in motor development, social-emotional development, language development, and creative expression.
Want to learn more? The Harry Balfour School Council and Participarent meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Harry Balfour School, and all are welcome to attend!
Media Releases
Contact Us:
Telephone: (780) 532-8133
Harry Balfour School website