Great Lakes Secondary School (GLSS) will officially unveil a couple of renovated projects on Thursday to members of the community.
A grand opening will be held for "The Den” and the school auditorium. It marks the final stage in a long-awaited renovation project at GLSS, following the consolidation and relocation of students to the Murphy Road location in 2019.
Members of the school community can take a tour of the facility on June 16 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
"We're excited to show it off. We're excited for people to see what those changes are and I'm sure there are lots of questions out there and curiosity about what the [school] has to offer," said GLSS Principal Jim Stewart.
New auditorium at Great Lakes Secondary School. (Photo courtesy of the Lambton Kent District School Board)
A performance will be held in the 580-seat auditorium at 7 p.m. and will include Aamjiwnaang dancers and a drum group, as well as performances by Grade 12 drama and music classes.
Students were able to see the changes made during the school year but Stewart said it was still an exciting process for them.
"They saw it starting when they moved in three years ago. 'The Den' was there but it wasn't at the level it is now," he said. Stewart also said students were able to have an input with the growth and changes made to the space.
Stewart said "The Den" is an inclusive space for students to use for cultural, social, and academic support.
"The Den" is called the Kim Henry - Gnaajwi Biidaabiniikwe (Beautiful Morning Woman) Room, also known as Owaanzhgan. It was named after a member of the Anishinaabe Kwe of the Mzhiikenh clan from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, who spent 30 years as an educator.
A private ceremony to celebrate the opening of "The Den" will be held for invited guests.
Meanwhile, community members got their first look at the new auditorium when the school hosted The Revue in April.
The auditorium will also be used for graduation ceremonies and Grade 8 celebrations for area schools.
