The West Prince French School and Community Centre in DeBlois was officially opened today by students, staff, parents, French Language School Board representatives, community organizations and government officials.
"Our government is committed to French education across Prince Edward Island," said Education Minister Jeffrey E. Lantz. "Acadian and Francophone culture and heritage are vital to the strength of our communities. This new facility is a three-year pilot project for the area and will help determine the future direction of French first-language education in West Prince."
The West Prince French School and Community Centre consists of four renovated mobiles. The facility includes classroom space for Grade 1, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten, two community offices, an administration/reception area and principal's office. The facility is wheelchair accessible and is the first school to utilize wireless technology.
The Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Culture Affairs and MLA for Tignish-DeBlois, also participated in the official opening.
"I am encouraged to see the school and community centre becoming an important part of the community," said Minister Shea. "West Prince has always been a shining example of how different cultures can live together in harmony. The opening of this school and community centre is a big step for the community in continuing to foster an atmosphere of cultural diversity."
Réjeanne Doucette, president of the Committee for French Education in West Prince and area trustee with the French Language School Board, said parents and community members are very pleased with the facility.
"Parents are very impressed with the school/community centre and the facility is being used on a regular basis for various French, cultural and community activities," she said.
Speaking for the French Language School Board, chairman Stéphane Ferland said, "Important seeds for French first language education have now been planted in the West Prince area and we are confident that these seeds will flourish in the years to come."