Westgate Mennonite Collegiate

Summary

Westgate Mennonite Collegiate is a grade 6 to 12 Mennonite private school in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Westgate Mennonite Collegiate
Address
Map
86 West Gate

, ,
Canada
Coordinates49°52′36″N 97°09′32″W / 49.8766°N 97.1589°W / 49.8766; -97.1589
Information
TypePrivate secondary (English language)
Established1958 (1958)
PrincipalJames Friesen
Grades6–12
Enrollment331 (2018)[1]
Campus86 West Gate
Websitewww.westgatemennonite.ca

History edit

Westgate Mennonite Collegiate, which was originally called the Mennonite Educational Institute, was formed in 1958.[2] The school originally had two teachers, one who taught grade 7 and 8, and the other who taught grade 9 to 11. Classes were held in First Mennonite Church before moving to a vacant church building on Edison Avenue. The school moved to its current location on 86 West Gate in 1964 and then they were able to offer more programs. A gymnasium, multi-purpose room, and office space were built in 1978. This allowed Westgate to continue its choir and add a band program, as well as several extra-curricular activities and electives. The old building was replaced in 1989 with the current one that had labs and more classroom space.

In 2008, the school's proposed expansion plans were rejected by the city of Winnipeg.[3] Subsequently, the school developed plans to relocate to a more central location.[4] In 2012 the school applied again for city approval of a smaller (but still substantial) redevelopment at its current location,[5][6][7] and in March 2012 the school received approval from the board of adjustment.[8]

In the 2016–2017 school year, they performed their renovation, and completed it in time for the 2017–2018 school year.[9]

Athletics edit

Coach Karl Wiebe, a coach at Westgate since 1983, was named coach of the year by the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association in 2010, after leading the Westgate boys' basketball team to two provincial championships.[10][11] Westgate plays in zone 2 (SCAC) in the Manitoba High Schools Athletics Association. From 2001 to 2012, Westgate Mennonite Collegiate won 8 National skiing championships. Currently, a swim facility is being finished for use in the upcoming 2022/23 school year.

References edit

  1. ^ "Enrollment Report" (PDF). Government of Manitoba. September 30, 2018. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  2. ^ "Westgate Mennonite Collegiate History", July 20, 2012.
  3. ^ "Winnipeg rejects Christian school's expansion plans", CBC News, July 18, 2008.
  4. ^ Nick Martin, "Religious schools keep on growing: Immigration boosting enrolments", Winnipeg Free Press, February 16, 2010.
  5. ^ "WM College Proposing New Expansion Plans", CJOB, January 16, 2012.
  6. ^ Nick Martin, "School embarks on $7-M upgrade: Involves move during construction", Winnipeg Free Press, January 17, 2012.
  7. ^ Evelyn Rempel Petkau, "Westgate Mennonite Collegiate pursues redevelopment plans", Canadian Mennonite, February 20, 2012, copy available here via HighBeam Research.
  8. ^ "City recommends approval for Westgate school expansion project despite community opposition", CTV Winnipeg, March 28, 2012.
  9. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions • Let Inspiration Shine"
  10. ^ Avi Saper, "Face of Westgate athletics honoured for 27 years of coaching", Winnipeg Free Press, July 8, 2010.
  11. ^ "Coach & Volunteer Awards: Grey Cup Coach of the Year Award", Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (accessed 2012-06-02).

External links edit

  • Official website