WOLFVILLE, NS - Landmark East School is about to embark on the most ambitious capital campaign in its four-decade history.
The Building on Success capital campaign is being officially launched with an event in the school’s dining hall and library on Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Every year, the number of students from across Canada and around the world finding success at Landmark East is increasing. Reaching the capital campaign’s $2.8 million goal would mean the addition of much needed space and amenities, supporting the school’s future expansion.
Headmaster Peter Coll said that since Landmark East’s inception almost 40 years ago, it’s been a dream for the school to have its own athletic complex and additional learning spaces. He said expanding facilities would help the school in a number of ways, allowing Landmark East to continue to bring profound, life-changing differences to students and their families.
“When I took over the school eight years ago, we were in the 30’s in terms of our enrollment,” Coll said. “We’re now in the 60’s and low 70’s and growing, so there’s a need which we are fulfilling for students across North America and around the world and we anticipate further growth.”
The plan is to construct another separate building on the existing grounds, which is just under five acres in size. This would include a 12,000 square-foot gymnasium and a new dining hall or cafeterium with performance and meeting space for the school and school community.
Coll said there are also plans for a “makerspace” to help support hands-on learning and “cross-pollination of curriculum.” He said the addition of a makerspace is a growing trend in schools focusing on activity and project-based learning and learning from problem solving.
He said the building would fit nicely on the east side of the property, just behind the academic centre, and they plan to move a parking lot to the rear. This will allow them to build a courtyard, a social area for students which the school has never had.
Coll said they hope to able to reach the fundraising goal in 24 to 30 months. They’re looking for five-year commitments from people who would like to space their donations out.
The launch event will be an opportunity to celebrate those donors who have already contributed to Landmark East. Coll said they would roll out and explain plans for the expansion, hopefully generating interest and excitement among potential partners and donors.
Several elected officials, dignitaries, community members and family members of students have been invited. Coll said they’re hoping for a great turnout.
“We’re sure hoping that we will be able to light a fire under people who are great fans and partners of this school and that they’ll get on board,” he said.
Did you know?
- Landmark East is a school that understands the potential of children with specific learning differences.
- Students learn to identify their own capabilities and strengths without labels that limit.
- The school’s approach is driven by effective, evidence-based methods and the knowledge that every child can learn and succeed.
- Learning takes place in an environment that encourages risk-taking and builds resilience.
