Holy Trinity Academy Expands with New Modular Classrooms

Holy Trinity Academy in Alberta is set to enhance its educational facilities with the addition of three modular classrooms. This development comes in response to a significant increase in student enrollment, which has placed the school above its capacity for several years. According to Kirk Nelson, the vice principal at the academy, the need for additional space has become increasingly critical.

The enrollment at Holy Trinity Academy has nearly doubled since 2018, when it recorded just 137 students. As of now, the school accommodates 303 students. Nelson noted that this growth has led to creative solutions for classroom space, including holding classes on the stage in the main entry area.

In 2022, the school began advocating to the St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division for more space to accommodate the rising number of students. After a three-year effort, the school is now in the process of laying groundwork and utility connections for the new modular classrooms, which will extend the current hall to the west.

Kirk Nelson expressed optimism about the upcoming changes, stating, “We’ll have extra lockers, washrooms, and two or three classrooms.” He also highlighted the importance of these additions in alleviating the current pressure on school resources. The new facilities will allow for a more efficient use of space, reducing the need for classes to be held in less conventional areas like the foods lab.

Despite the improvements, Nelson anticipates that the space will still be relatively constrained. He mentioned that the school might continue to experience growth in the coming years, possibly influenced by immigration trends. “We are very grateful for the portables,” he said, acknowledging the necessity of these new classrooms for the ongoing academic operations.

While the school currently does not plan to request additional modular units, Nelson hopes that the success of the new classrooms will lead to further support from the school division in the future. “We can actually operate without having to run classes out of the foods lab and the stage area,” he noted, indicating a positive shift in the school’s capacity to serve its students effectively.

Overall, the installation of these modular classrooms represents a significant step forward for Holy Trinity Academy, responding to the pressing need for space and improving the educational environment for both staff and students.