News Release

QUISPAMSIS (GNB) – The official name of the new francophone school in Quispamsis, currently under construction, will be École des Pionniers.

“That name, proposed by the Kennebecasis Valley community, will appeal to people as it speaks to the determination of proud pioneers, parents, and the local francophone community,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Marie-Claude Blais. “Their spirit will long be engraved in the collective memory, as they have made great contributions to their community and to New Brunswick’s Francophonie. This new school, built at a cost of $14 million, is on the cutting edge of technology. It will provide a dynamic learning and work environment for students and staff, while being an outstanding gathering place for the francophone community.” 

The name was suggested as part of a community consultation exercise conducted earlier this year by the Education Council of the Francophone Sud school district.

“It is thanks to the parents of the francophone community in the Kennebecasis Valley that this wonderful project is being carried out,” said Gilles Bourque, district education council chair. “These pioneers of the valley did not give up on their dream of a school that takes into consideration the double mission of the francophone school, academic success and identity building.”

The school, which will accommodate students from kindergarten to Grade 5, is located at the corner of the Quispamsis and Pettingill Roads. It will have 18 classrooms, a double gymnasium, a multipurpose room, music and art rooms, a library and cafeteria, project work areas for students, and an outdoor playground and sports field.

Construction work is slated to end later this fall, allowing the school to open its doors to students in January 2015.