Blue and Gold 2009

New Beginnings When I tell someone I go to De La Salle, they often ask me what it’s like to go to school there.

And in reply, I often mention the classes I take, the incredible teachers I have, the Lasallian spirit, but never had I contemplated throwing architecture into the conversation. But ever since the new Kinnoull building emerged from a cloud of sawdust and paint fumes, it’s a topic I’m excited to discuss.

In the short period in which this building has been standing, life at the College has changed.

It’s not that we spend hours gazing, awe-struck at its magnificence, but, at the risk of sounding overly sentimental, it’s the little things that make this construction so special.

The little lights that help you see the stairs as you find your seat, the fact that with a click of a button, those same seats will be gone. The fact that now people walking down High Street can’t help but notice that we’re here. The adventurously artistic design that has turned the entire school into connoisseurs of the craft.

But not only this; a whole new spectrum of lunch time experiences has come into play. Tables in the cafeteria have become arenas for everything from poker games to philosophical debates.

Students are talking to people they usually wouldn’t, even if just to inquire as to the vacancy of a seat. The magical floor heats up, and has already proven most gracious to bare feet on winter days. The brand new kitchen facilities have seen canteen food become a novelty again.

This fine creation has drastically improved the view from the library, increased incentive to hurry to assemblies, and school tours just got a whole lot more impressive.

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