History

Madawaska Valley District School has proud tradition of growth within its community.

Madawaska Valley District School (MVDH) is a public secondary school located in the town of Barry's Bay, Ontario. MVDH is one of seven Renfrew County District School Board secondary schools that support The Ottawa Valley. The high school's district area spans 180 square km and is commonly referred to as "The Madawaska Valley". The school colours are blue and yellow, the school teams are named "Wolves" and the school mascot is called "Waska".

Madawaska Valley District School was opened in 1967 at an estimated cost of $2 million. The focus was to offer maximum opportunity for education for every child in the Madawaska Valley. Several municipalities were involved in the process and the school was built to accommodate 840 students. The school offers a well rounded education through a variety of classes in grades 9-12.

Madawaska Valley District School offers a variety of sports, clubs and programs to its student population.

In 2007 MVDH had its 40^thBack to the Pack Reunion. From all around the world, present and past graduates came home to celebrate their years and accomplishments at MVDH.

Some alumni of MVDH include former NHL hockey players, illustrator/game designers, former MPP and MP, Olympian's and presidents/CEOs. Other MVDH Alumni have returned to the school to support the school community through many different roles.

In the spring of 2011, MVDH renovated a classroom to support a new Cosmetology program. This popular program was another modern addition to our technology department

In the fall of 2011, MVDH installed a 6000 Watt solar panel system that is feeding green energy to Ontario's electrical grid.

In 2013, the school installed a state of the art fitness centre for the school community. The fitness centre is well utilized during physical education classes and staff volunteers stay after school to encourage and motivate students to meet their fitness goals.

The school's current enrolment is just under 400 students.

Recently public consultations were held to investigate the viability of rebuilding nearby Sherwood Public School within the walls of Madawaska Valley District High.

During the Monday, June 16 monthly board meeting the board of trustees recommended the RCDSB undertake to rebuild Sherwood Public School within its same attendance boundaries within the structure of Madawaska Valley District School subject to Ministry of Education approved capital funding for the project.

Exploring the accommodation of Sherwood Public School's population into MVDH would align with the RCDSB's three guiding principles: excellence in teaching and learning; safe, caring and respectful learning environments; and wise use of resources, RCDSB Chairperson David Kaiser said. The board's vision is to ensure Kindergarten to Grade 12 education remains viable in the Barry's Bay community for the foreseeable future.

The earliest possible date for a combined Sherwood and Madawaska Valley school to open would be September, 2016.

We are proud of the opportunity, success and growth displayed in all parts of MVDH school life - from skilled craftsmanship, tradeswork and academic achievement to creativity and excellence in academics and the arts. Please come to visit us and continue exploring our website to learn more about this wonderful school in Barry's Bay, Ontario!