The Conseil Scolaire Public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) needs community involvement in the proposed French school coming to the area.
The council committee is holding a meeting to hear from residents to garner participation and feedback about the proposed plan. If all goes well, classes could begin in September 2019.
The goal for the meeting is to put together a well-researched course of action to propose the French school details to the minister of education for approval.
Once the minister approves the plan, the consultation committee can select a location for the school, finalize curriculum details and align staff requirements.
The plan has been in progress for nearly three years when concerned parents reached out the CSPNE for assistance with creating a space where students from kindergarten to the eighth grade can learn French. The CSPNE revealed that classes may take over an existing building in Parry Sound instead of building a new site.
With current Parry Sound schools lacking an immersion program, Pedagogical Director, Joanne Héroux-Farrow says that children have a right to French education.
“We’re responding to a need that was expressed by people in the community. Now we need everyone to get together and rally all those people now to help this project move forward. We need the support of everyone in the community to expedite the process with the ministry,” Héroux-Farrow said.
The meeting is happening at the Canadore College campus in Parry Sound from 5:00pm to 6:30pm on November 1st in room 127. If parents or residents wish to participate, Héroux-Farrow urges everyone to get in touch with her directly at (705)203-2142.