Released on October 11, 2006
Learning Minister Deb Higgins joined school and community members, on behalf of Premier Lorne Calvert, to celebrate the grand opening of École Ducharme - the new Centre scolaire communautaire de Moose Jaw today."The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to building healthy and dynamic Francophone communities across the province," Higgins said. "This facility will not only meet the academic needs of its students, it will meet their cultural identity needs - as well as those of the entire Fransaskois community here in Moose Jaw."
The Canada-Saskatchewan Auxiliary Agreement to construct and renovate the Community and School Centre in Moose Jaw was signed at the end of March 2005. The province invested $3.6 million under this agreement while the Government of Canada invested approximately $1.2 million.
The École Ducharme's new pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 facility, housed in the Centre, is an addition and renovation of the former Alexandra School. The addition includes seven classrooms, a resource centre, performing arts area, administration offices and a staff room.
The Centre also includes a community area with a multi-purpose room and a childcare unit with an office, kitchen and amenities. Space has been added to the east side of the gymnasium for offices and services for the Francophone community. The gymnasium will serve both the school and the community.
"It truly does take a community to educate a child," École Ducharme principal Louise Fafard said. "The opening of École Ducharme signifies that the French community of Moose Jaw now has the facilities that are conducive to the growth of a strong, vital community of learners. Our students can be proud to learn their language and culture, and to be well educated. We are thankful to all supporters and we are pleased to be contributors to the large community of learners across the province."
The total government commitment to pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 capital projects this fiscal year is $22 million.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Margaret Ball Learning - Facilities Regina Phone: (306) 787-5631 | Jacquie McLean Learning - Communications Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609 |