Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 20, 2015

Manitoba Government Announces Major Renovation, Addition for École Noël Ritchot School

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Budget 2015 Gives Francophone Students, Families New Child-care Spaces, Gym, Additional Classrooms to Support Smaller Classes: Premier Selinger

Students and families in St. Norbert will soon benefit from new child-care spaces, a new gym and additional classrooms at École Noël Ritchot made possible through provincial investments in Manitoba schools, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

“St. Norbert is a vibrant, growing francophone community and many young families continue to make this beautiful neighborhood home,” said Premier Selinger.  “We’re excited to expand this school, so students here can get the attention they need in smaller classes as the community continues to grow and families can have access to high-quality, affordable child care.”

The expansion will add nearly 30,000 sq. ft. to the school and nearly 9,000 sq. ft. of the existing structure will be renovated.  The project will create:

  • two new kindergarten classrooms;
  • five new grade-school classrooms;
  • a classroom for an early childhood centre;
  • a new gymnasium;
  • a new music room; and
  • new washrooms and a changing room, with barrier-free access.

The new school will also include a new child-care centre that will provide a good start for 74 infant and pre-school aged children, the premier noted.

“For several years now, registration at École Noel-Ritchot has been climbing steadily and this expansion and renovation will meet the needs of the school community.  On behalf of the CSFM, I would like to thank the Manitoba government for this investment,” said Bernard Lesage, chair, CSFM.

“The Manitoba government recognizes that sustained investments in our schools play an important role in student engagement and achievement,” said Premier Selinger.  “This major project will ensure students get the attention they need to succeed in smaller classes and have the opportunity to develop positive health habits that will last throughout their lives.  The province will continue to invest in quality education to ensure our young people have a good start in life.”

The premier noted this major construction project will also strengthen Manitoba’s economy by creating an estimated 100 person years of employment for Manitobans.

Since 1999, the Manitoba government has invested more than $1 billion in public school capital projects to build and maintain new schools, gyms, science labs and child-care centres and ensure smaller classes.

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