Norwich Primary School in Portland that was partially destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 has had a new block that was formally opened on Wednesday, May 14. It was built at a cost of $12 million through a partnership between the Scotia Foundation and the Ministry of Education. The school lost its grade one block and had to adjust classes in the First Holiness Church nearby. Principal of Norwich Primary school Claudia McLean recalled what happened and was grateful for the assistance given for the new block. “Today May 14, 2014 is important as we were dealt a severe blow in October 2012 when an uninvited guest Hurricane Sandy visited our school and left a tale of destruction. In the passing of this hurricane the 90 grade one students were left classless. The First Holiness Church our neighbor responded immediately to our request for a move over and became our home for an extended period. The bank of Nova Scotia made a difference in our life. This company along with the Ministry of Education established a partnership and today we can celebrate as we are the proud recipient of a new block” she said. Joylene Griffiths Irving executive director Scotia Foundation said the foundation looked around on the damage done from Hurricane Sandy and decided what was the right thing to do was to help and Norwich was one of seven schools in St. Mary and Portland that they assisted. She said Food For The Poor provided furniture. “My message to you, students at Norwich do the right thing, protect your school, take care of the new building, take care of the furniture, obey your parents, obey your teachers, be proud of your school, be proud of your community do the right thing.” Janet Brimm Regional Director Ministry of Education Region 2 represented the Minister of Education. The Norwich students did cultural items depicting the destruction of Sandy and giving thanks for the new building.The building was officially opened and handed over by the cutting of ribbon by Principal Claudia McLean, Regional director Janet Brimm and Scotia Foundation executive director Joylene Griffiths Irving.
