In life, all good things must come to an end not because they have run their course, but because time calls for a new beginning.
A little school with treasured memories said it's final goodbye on May 15. Westbrook school - which is nestled in the foothills fifteen minutes north of Cochrane, was built in 1953. Although the old building with fond reminders sadly was demolished, an improved modernized structure has been under construction to house all the new memories set to be created.
Henry Hupkes recalls simpler times where he would trek about a mile to get to school, attending grades 1 to 12 at Westbrook when it first opened its doors many moons ago. The now 73-year-old said he always enjoyed walking through the big poplar trees during recess. He would often practice being on skates in the nearby rink which over the years, eventually became an outdoor basketball court. He touched on all the wonderful teachers and said even after all these years he has still managed to hang on to one dear friend from his younger years, Lynn Pickup.
Henry's wife, Margaret who participates in the Seniors for Kids program spent plenty of time at Westbrook school. She said the school is well overdue for an upgrade to accommodate Cochrane's growing population.
"Being in the old school and seeing how limited the kids were, it will be really nice to see this new school open up where they can actually have room to do things," Maragert Hupkes said. "I'm excited for the kids, that they're going to be given more challenges and opportunities to learn and expand."
She added the potential with the new programs being anticipating will carve a path for student success in terms of achievements.
The future school will be 1,600 square metres of space, costing an estimated $7.1 million. Included in the price tag is the construction along with the demolition of the old school and reusing the existing 10 modular classrooms in efforts to keep the cost down. It will feature a larger gymnasium, changing rooms, ancillary spaces, break-out spaces and learning commons - which face those beautiful poplar trees that Henry so dearly remembers as a little boy. The new capacity of students is 250 in comparison to its previous capacity of around 180. A large hallway will run the length of the school to continue to provide a sense of togetherness which the staff and students cherished.
"My hope for the new school is that it continues to carry over that same country feeling of community and friendship and encouragement that's always been in the school," said Hupkes.
