January 11, 2016
Grand Opening of New Provincially Supported School for Francophone Students in Thompson Celebrated
THOMPSON—Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum joined students, teachers and officials here today to celebrate the grand opening of a new kindergarten to Grade 12 school to accommodate increased enrolment in the French program in the north.
“This new school is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where students can learn and develop the skills they need to take advantage of Manitoba’s growing economy,” said Minister Allum. “This new school will provide students with a quality education and serve as a hub for the francophone community in northern Manitoba.”
The new 25,867-sq.-ft. school is located on Weir Road near the site of the Norplex Pool Recreation Centre. It has a multi-functional gymnasium and multipurpose room that is available for community activities when not in use by students, allowing for additional physical fitness opportunities for students.
“We’re very pleased to complete this important project for the francophone community of Thompson,” said Bernard Lesage, board chair, Commission scolaire franco-manitobaine. “This new school will allow us to respond to the needs of our students and the community as a whole, and we thank our partners in the Manitoba government, who made École La Voie du Nord possible.”
The minister noted the new school will create more space to better accommodate the needs of students in the school district, and the relationship between the school, the local neighbourhood and the cultural community will be enhanced thanks to the spaces allocated for public and community use. The new school also includes a child-care centre with capacity to accommodate four infants and 24 preschool age children, as well as a family resource centre.
“Hard-working Manitoba families want schools where their children can learn, grow and develop their skills, especially in the early years,” said Minister Allum. “We are committed to investing in our schools and our communities to create more opportunities for young people.”
The Manitoba government provided $12.5 million to support the project.
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