WALDECK, N.S. — Bit by bit, the public is starting to learn more about the boarding school project proposed for Annapolis County.
The development that has often been discussed behind closed doors at the local level until recently was the topic of a public forum hosted in Cornwallis Park on Nov. 19.
Project proponents joined the newly formed Friends of Gordonstoun Nova Scotia (FOGNS) community group in hosting the socially distanced information session at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre.
“We’re on track to have full attendance,” said FOGNS founding member Linda Hulme Leahy in a news release circulated prior to the event. “The response from the public has been really encouraging. This school presents not only incredible economic opportunities for our area, but social ones as well. We’re hoping that some great community relationships form with the Gordonstoun team because of this forum.”
Developer Edward Farren of E. A. Farren, Limited watched a presentation led by two school curriculum team members from a front-row seat. They shared news about updates, timelines, Gordonstoun’s ethos, the school’s broad curriculum, opportunities for volunteer service within the community and Gordonstoun Nova Scotia’s scholarship program.
“I think something is starting to gel between Gordonstoun Nova Scotia and the community,” said Farren, speaking with SaltWire Network in an interview following the presentation.
Farren said work is underway to find the founding principal for the Scotland-based Gordonstoun’s sister school in Nova Scotia.
“There’s no sense putting up good buildings if you can’t get the right leaders,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some delays and changes to the design plans for the school, but Farren said he’s not concerned about construction costs spiking.
“It’s slowed things down,” he offered.
The new design makes it possible for the school to adhere to the current public health protocols relating to the global pandemic while ensuring class is still in session.
Gordonstoun representatives visited multiple sites in Annapolis County before selecting the former Upper Clements Park location as the future home of Gordonstoun Nova Scotia.
“This county is stunning – stunning,” said Farren.
Interim principal Richard Thorne joined director of development Kate Cornell in walking the crowd through the public presentation. Questions from the floor were not accepted during the event, but some questions submitted in advance were answered following the prepared presentation.
Cornell announced the non-profit school will be offering full scholarships to two Grade 9 Nova Scotia students and two Grade 9 non-Nova Scotia students that will be worth more than $78,000 annually. The four-year commitment reflects a total investment of more than $1.2 million.
“The fact that this is a non-profit organization is absolutely phenomenal,” she said, noting this structure means that more of the money coming in goes back into the school.
Thorne spoke about a number of buildings from the shuttered theme park that could be repurposed to meet Gordonstoun’s needs, including the stone house and red barn.
“There’s a lot there, a whole lot there,” he said.
Cornell, who moved to a North Mountain community in Annapolis County three years ago, touched on how the topography and sense of community aligns with Gordonstoun’s curriculum and values.
She said her family had lived in Annapolis County for 10 days and received invites to five Thanksgiving dinners.
“The welcome to Nova Scotia is absolutely second to none,” she said.
She said Gordonstoun challenges students daily with lessons and experiences that focus on teamwork, internationalism, compassion, responsibility, service, resilience and achievement.
“We’re hoping that you’ll help us understand more about how our students can participate in the local community through service.”
Cornell assured the crowd that public information sessions will be held more often going forward. She also said they’ll be looking for local suppliers and catering as the school comes to fruition.
“We absolutely want to keep things as local as possible.”
