First tour given at new St. John's high school

The brand-new Waterford Valley High School in St. John's is ready to open its doors.

The newschool replaces the recently closed Booth Memorial High School andBishops College.

The $38-million project includes Wi-Fi equipped classrooms, a fitness centre, a band room and a gymnasium that includes a performance stage.

Darrin Pike, chief executive officerof the English School District, gave a tour of the new school to Premier Paul Davis, cabinet ministers, and members of the community Thursday afternoon.

"This is a state-of-the-art facility and students will be so excited to come here." said school principal Bridget Ricketts

"The technology, the classrooms, the size of the building, the opportunities that they will have here, it will just be fabulous,"

The high school will also include a healthy kitchen and cafeteria.

The schoolwill ditch deep-fried foods in favour of healthier fare.

Concerns over pedestrian safety

However, concerns have been raised that the close proximity to the Village Mall will lead to students crossing busy Topsail Road at lunchtimeseekingless healthyoptions.

Last year, a student at Bishops College was fatally struck by a car while crossing the same street.

The school plans to emphasizepedestrian safety to students when class is back in session.

The first bell rings at Waterford Valley High next week.