Centre scolaire de la Rive-Sud Officially Opens

South Shore students and the Acadian and francophone community came together to celebrate a new, state-of-the-art school and community centre today, March 4.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex, students and school staff were joined by representatives from the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, Canadian Heritage, and the area's municipalities, for the official opening of Centre scolaire de la Rive-Sud in Cookville, Lunenburg Co.

"It makes me very proud to live in a province where students can receive a French-language education in such an impressive learning environment," said Ms. Jennex. "Centre scolaire de la Rive-Sud is an excellent place for Acadian and francophone families of the South Shore to meet and celebrate their culture."

The school has been open since September, and has 160 students in grades Primary to 12. The school also offers a program Grandir en Français for four-year-olds.

Kenneth Gaudet, president of le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, said the community demonstrated patience and tenacity to help make the school and community centre a reality.

"This is a jewel that we find here after spending over 10 years at the old Blockhouse school," said Mr. Gaudet. "That's promising for the people of the South Shore who have a growing Acadian and francophone population."

Along with classrooms, a music room and gymnasium, the building has community spaces, a reception area and a multipurpose room.

"The region's francophones finally have a building where it will be possible to share their common language and culture." said Diane Racette, the school's principal. "This magnificent building will welcome the young and not-so-young people who aim for the development of the French language."