May 21, 2004

Peel students, staff celebrate official openings of two new middle schools
Schools serve growing communities in Brampton, Mississauga

Students, staff and community members of McCrimmon and Ruth Thompson middle schools will celebrate their schools' official openings in their own special way. Official opening ceremonies will feature video presentations, open houses and performances by student dancers, choirs and musicians.

"Students, staff and parents are very excited about the official opening of our school," says Jake Johnston, principal at McCrimmon Middle School in Brampton. "For the past several weeks, we've been busy preparing for this celebration. Now we welcome the opportunity for a formal event that highlights our achievements to date."

To commemorate the school's official opening, McCrimmon will hold an official opening ceremony on May 26 at 7 p.m. It will feature dance, choir and instrumental student performances. Steve Kavanagh, Peel board trustee, will address the community.

Ruth Thompson Middle School in Mississauga will hold its official opening on May 27 at 6:30 p.m. The theme for the evening is Celebrating Family and Neighbourhood. The celebration will feature a multimedia presentation with images of the school during its opening year. The presentation will be stored in a time capsule and will not be viewed again until the school's 20th anniversary. The opening ceremony also includes a tribute to Ruth Thompson, the school's namesake. Thompson is the Peel board's vice-chair and its longest serving trustee. A portrait of Thompson and a lighthouse will be unveiled in her honour. An open house will follow the ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

"When I look around the school, I’m amazed at how much students and staff have been able to accomplish since September," says Cathy Standring, principal at Ruth Thompson. "Ruth Thompson has been instrumental in helping to make our school a thriving learning community for our students. She is an exemplary model for these future leaders. Our official opening will showcase how great things are possible when we work together as a community."

The new schools accommodate over 1,500 students. McCrimmon accommodates 895 students in grade 5 to 8 and Ruth Thompson's enrolment is 645 grade 5 to 8 students. They are two of nine new schools opened in the Peel board during the 2003-04 school year.

In Brampton, McCrimmon Middle School is located at 83 McCrimmon Drive. Ruth Thompson Middle School is located at 5605 Freshwater Drive in Mississauga.

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Media contact: Jake Johnston, Principal, McCrimmon Middle School, 905-495-3229
Cathy Standring, Principal, Ruth Thompson Middle School, 905-814-1729
Reference: Carla Pereira, School Communications Specialist, 905-890-1010, ext. 2626