École NDA Renovations Announced

École NDA in Cheticamp, Inverness Co., is getting $6 million in improvements. Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald unveiled the plans today, Aug. 20.

"With these renovations and upgrades, École NDA will match the standards of any new school in Nova Scotia and will continue to be the centre for cultural identity in the region," said Mr. MacDonald, speaking on behalf of Education Minister Jane Purves. "The first phase of the work is already complete and students will see a new gymnasium floor, the access ramp and new day-care facilities when they return to school in just a few weeks."

The upgrade will be carried out in phases over the next three years and is scheduled for completion in December 2005.

"Parents, teachers and students are going to be very happy about these renovations," said Yvette Aucoin, the region's representative on the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, the school board for all francophone schools across the province. "Our francophone students will soon have access to a better school, with all the equipment needed to meet the educational standards of the 21st century."

The phasing strategy will minimize disruption at the school by carrying out work on the cafeteria, corridors, gymnasium and library during the summer months, when the school is not in use.

"This major renovation project means a better educational environment for staff and students and it provides them with the latest technology," said École NDA principal Léonard LeFort. "The new facilities will also give students with disabilities access to all programs -- something students and parents are very happy about."

École NDA accommodates about 285 students in grades primary to 12.