Students, parents, community members and representatives of the provincial and federal governments and La Commission scolaire de langue française visited the site of the new Summerside-Miscouche French School and Community Centre this morning. They participated in the official ground breaking ceremony for the $6.3 million facility.
Speaking on behalf of Canadian Heritage, Hilaire Lemoine, Director General, Official Languages Support Programs said, "All the youth of this country, Anglophone or Francophone, in a minority situation or not, have the right to the same opportunities for success. The Government of Canada's contribution is a testament to its unfailing commitment to the development of Francophone communities in minority situations."
The Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education, said the school and community centre will serve the needs of Francophone and Acadian students and their families.
"The Province of Prince Edward Island is committed to providing high quality learning opportunities to students in French," said Minister Lantz. "Acadian and Francophone culture and heritage are vital to the strength of our communities. My cabinet colleagues support this capital construction project. It is truly a collaborative project involving both levels of government and the community." Provincial ministries involved in the project include the departments of Education, Community and Cultural Affairs, Transportation and Public Works and Agriculture and Forestry, the ministry responsible for Francophone Affairs.
Construction at the site began in May. The building area is approximately 45,350 square feet. The project includes a new street into the school, parking lots and playing fields, including a soccer field and a softball diamond. The school component of the project includes six classrooms, music room, special education/resource room, two teacher planning centers, administration area, a guidance/meeting room, a health room, a staff lounge, an activity room and book storage areas.
The school and community centre will share the following spaces: the gymnasium and gym instructor's office, the multi-purpose room and stage, the kitchen, the library, a computer lab, mechanical, custodial and electrical spaces and a LAN room.
The community component of the facility includes kindergarten and daycare, offices, reception areas and meeting rooms for community groups, a boutique, a youth room, a seniors room, community storage and a boardroom.
Speaking on behalf of La Commission scolaire de langue française, chairperson Stéphane Ferland said, "I would like to congratulate the Island Acadian and Francophone community for its tireless work to advance the cause of French education. La Commission scolaire de langue française will continue to work in partnership with the community and government so as to extend access to French education to all rightholders in all regions of the province."
Marie-France Thériault, president of La Belle-Alliance, added, "The new school-community centre of Summerside-Miscouche will be excellent for the area's Acadian and Francophone community. The new centre will accommodate the needs of people of all ages and will make them feel proud of their language and culture. I am confident that the school-community centre of Summerside-Miscouche will enhance the Acadian and Francophone langage and culture and will bring faith and success for the future. "
Construction on the new school and community centre is slated to be complete in early 2002. The architect for the project is Guimond + Associates and the general contractor is Schurman Construction.