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French language school opens in Orangeville
Tuesday September 2 2008
By RICHARD VIVIAN Banner Staff Writer
 
Local French language students will be able to stay closer to home this year. An as-yet unnamed school officially opens its doors in Orangeville today (Sept. 2), following a year of renovations.
“I’m very encouraged by the positive response we’ve had from the parents. It’s been great,” said Principal Joanne Heroux Farrow. “They are very glad, very happy that there is finally a French school in the area.”
Previously, local French language students were bused to a school in Brampton. The new facility, located in the former Springbrook school building, caters to students in junior kindergarten to Grade 6.
As of Thursday afternoon, there were 34 students registered to attend the new school.
“It’s increased quite a bit in the last week since we’ve been here,” Heroux Farrow said.
“Even last week we were only at 22 kids.... A lot of it is by parents talking about us and knowing that there is a French school in the area.”
Registration will be open throughout the school year. It’s not uncommon for a French language school to start with a relatively small student body, Heroux Farrow said, suggesting growth usually follows quickly.
“We’re always taking registration — there’s no limit,” she told The Banner. “Every week we’ll probably have new kids, which is fine, we’re used to it and we expect it. The teachers all know to prepare extra kits for the kids.”
In order for a student to attend, at least one parent must be of French heritage. Parents interested in registering their children should go to the school office.
A staff of five teachers, a custodian, a secretary and principal have been hired for the school, with plans to add a librarian and lunch staff as well.
“It’s exciting right now,” the principal said of preparing to open.
The French language school board, Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest, purchased the building last summer from the Upper Grand District School Board for $1 — the price mandated for sales between two publicly funded education systems.
Renovations
Since then it has undergone a range of renovations, which are expected to be finished in time for today’s opening.
For now, staff and students will occupy 10 classrooms, the library and the gym.
“There’s an extra 10 classrooms that are available if ever we grow to that big. It’s a very big school,” Heroux Farrow said. “Hopefully one day we’ll have it all filled up.”
As for the school’s name, suggestions from the community are being sought. Heroux Farrow said recommendations will be accepted over the next few weeks and narrowed down from there.
She hopes to have a final suggestion for the board — which makes the final decision — by the end of September.