École Laurier now officially a French immersion school
- Details
- Published on Friday, September 30, 2016
Submitted Photo. Christine VanHumbeck, École Laurier’s principal, cut the ribbon alongside division trustees Pam Vandepoele (left) and Karey Wilkinson.
Submitted
Turtle River School Division
Earlier in September, École Laurier officially opened its doors as a new French immersion school. On Sept. 15, the school and community celebrated the change with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Students, school staff members, trustees and community members were all in attendance at École Laurier for the official proclamation by the division Superintendent, Bev Szymesko.
Szymesko, on behalf of Turtle River School Division, officially changed École Laurier’s program designation from a Français School to a French Immersion School. She went on to say how proud she was of the staff members and students of École Laurier and that she has seen firsthand the progression of staff, past and present, as they continued to meet the needs of students. The division is honoured to support the school and community as they make these changes, noting it is imperative to provide the students and community with the best quality of French language education for positive student engagement.
Christine VanHumbeck, École Laurier’s principal, led the ceremony and cut the ribbon alongside division trustees Pam Vandepoele and Karey Wilkinson. As the new school principal this year, Mrs. VanHumbeck has not only been a teacher at École Laurier for 20 years, but also attended the school herself, as a student having grown up in Laurier. VanHumbeck went on to review the history of the school and all of the changes that have occurred.
It started in the mid-1970s, with the demand for French language instruction. The school board listened to the parents and changed the school’s program designation from English to Français Langue Première. This made École Laurier the first school ever in Laurier and the surrounding area to offer all subjects taught in French. For over 40 years, students have entered through the school doors and have left with an excellent French education.
She continued, saying that in 2016, once again, the school board listened to École Laurier’s school community and approved this positive move forward. The move is going to support everyone greatly.
The students will continue to receive excellent instruction and gain access to more resources and support, which in turn will help to build an even stronger school identity and provide an excellent bilingual education. Turtle River School Division understands that being bilingual or learning another language is important. Bilingualism supports overall language growth in both English and the second language being studied, as well as supporting overall academic achievement. The division is currently in year five of their French Revitalization Program in their other schools and École Laurier’s school motto speaks to that testament. “A l’École Laurier, mon Français m’ouvre les portes du monde.” Roughly translated into English, the motto says, French opens the doors to the world.
VanHumbeck went on to describe the importance of the school’s vision, “Our vision has always been to provide the best quality French education that meets the needs of our students.” It is that exact vision that has led the school to this program designation change. This change was a process that took a lot of careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders and consultants. VanHumbeck went on to say, “In order for our school to serve our students and parents, present and future, a change was necessary.”
That change being their school program designation from Français to French Immersion. As the needs of the community, students and their families have changed over the years, so must schools change in order to be able to best support communities as they evolve.
In addition to this exciting news and changes at the school, Turtle River School Division is excited to implement a new Junior Kindergarten program this year. This Junior Kindergarten program is being piloted at École Laurier and it is off to an amazing start. It is very popular with students, parents and the community.
This program complements the division’s already successful full-time Kindergarten program that is in its fifth year. Presently, they have five students enrolled in the Junior Kindergarten program and are always looking to accept new students. To register your child, simply visit the school at 159 Fosberry St., Laurier, Manitoba or call (204) 447-2068.
