For the first time in nearly 60 years, Guelph has a new public high school. Two Rivers Secondary School will open its doors to its first students on Tuesday. “I think this is a great opportunity for community and for people to come together and for us to see something special and new,” principal Damon Ealey said. About 420 students in Grade 9 and Grade 10 will be the first to attend. The building on Arkell Road in Guelph’s east side has a number of fresh features. The digital arts space will include two green screens, podcasting equipment and various editing options. One of the arts rooms has a kiln. There is a double gym, a fitness room full of equipment, a two-sided stage that connects to the cafeteria and a music room stocked with instruments. The learning commons on the second floor is an open concept space with large windows and seating areas for students. Ealey calls that one of his favourite places in the building. “Just because kids can come and sit, kind of see the view.” The 108,000 square foot building can hold up to 900 students but was designed so that it would be relatively easy to put on additions, should more space be needed in the future. Ealey hopes the open design with large windows letting in lots of natural light will create a welcoming environment and a sense of community. “I want students to, first of all, feel belonging and connectedness,” Ealey said. Ealey noted that most students attending Two Rivers will live within a 3.5 km radius of the school, adding to its community focus. Ealey said he also aims to set a high standard of achievement, along with a growth mindset. “I want our kids to come in knowing that they can achieve high, but knowing that they’re going to have a team of people that are going to support them, build them and help them become all that they can be.” While some construction touch ups still need to be done, overall the school is ready. Future students, their families and members of the community filled the halls during an open house this week. “It’s so nice. Everything is brand new. The science classroom is big,” said Grade 9 student Asmi Moharir. “It’s a pretty great school.”
