Program Concerns Addressed for Beaufort Students
The Halifax Regional School Board and Department of Education have reached an agreement that addresses program concerns for students affected by the closing of École Beaufort this year.
Students in grades primary to 5 will no longer be split by grade level between LeMarchant-St. Thomas and Oxford schools. Instead, all French immersion students who live on or south of Jubilee Road will attend LeMarchant-St. Thomas School on Watt Street. All French immersion students who live north of Jubilee will attend St. Catherine's School on Connolly Street.
French immersion grade 6 students will attend nearby Gorsebrook Junior High as originally planned.
Education Minister Jane Purves said this plan addresses parents' concerns about splitting students by grade level three times in elementary. Parents also raised safety concerns about walking across busy city streets to attend Oxford School.
"The board can offer quality programs at these schools," the minister said. "The principal at St. Catherine's was once the principal at Beaufort and has a strong commitment to French immersion. Work has already been under way to develop the French immersion program at LeMarchant-St. Thomas. With more students, that work can be strengthened."
Halifax Regional School Board chair Mike Flemming said the department and the board worked together to find a solution.
"This plan will enrich the existing French immersion program at St. Catherine's," he said. "As the minister requested, we will do a careful analysis of the French immersion report and consider the implications of the recommendations for all students within the Halifax Regional School Board. This solution allows us to do that."
The Department of Education will fund busing and other expenses associated with the move to St. Catherine's. Final costs, estimated at $40,000, will be determined by the board and department.
There are about 300 French immersion students affected by the closure of École Beaufort. The plan will see about half of the students attending LeMarchant-St. Thomas and half attending St. Catherine's.