Minister Officially Opens École des Beaux-Marais

Students and families from Porters Lake, Chezzetcook, and other Eastern Shore communities are celebrating their new French first-language school today, Jan 28.

Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele, on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex, was joined by students, teachers, parents, the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) and the Acadian and francophone community for the official opening of École des Beaux-Marais in Porters Lake.

"This is the twenty-first school in the CSAP system," said Mr. Steele. "The CSAP is a powerful force in the Acadian community, and this school recognizes the Acadian roots in Chezzetcook and the Eastern Shore."

The new school has been open since September and has 27 students. The school is home to a Grade Primary class, and the Grandir en français program for four-year olds. The school will add a grade level each year so that in six years, it will be a full Primary-6 elementary school. The long-term plan for the school could include adding additional grades earlier depending on the enrollment needs of the area.

"It has always inspired me when groups such as the Acadian community of Chezzetcook want to revive their culture and language," said Kenneth Gaudet, president of Conseil scolaire acadien provincial. "What better way to get back to your francophone roots than to have a French-language school. This community is rallying around their school to bring out their Acadian identity. We are seeing proof of that here today."

École des Beaux-Marais was established in the same building as the former Lakeview Consolidated Elementary school.