Last Thursday marked the inauguration of the new public French school, École Rivière Rideau, at the Kemptville College Campus and the unveiling of their new logo.
MPP Steve Clark, Mayor David Gordon, CAO Brian Carré and all municipal council were on hand to offer their congratulations. “This is one of the most progressive school boards I’ve seen,” said Mayor Gordon. “We are very proud that you have decided to expand your horizons and come to green and growing North Grenville.”
Linda Savard, the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Conseil des Écoles Publiques du Centre-Est (CEPEO), announced that the school will be expanding to include grades seven and eight in September 2017, and grades nine to twelve in 2018. They will also be acquiring two more of the campus’ buildings in their long-term lease, Rorke Hall and the Administration building. “The school is in constant evolution,” she says. “This is a growth area for French families and it is important to have the choice of a French education.”
The logo, which was presented by grade four student Mabel Roberts, has a blue “R” that symbolizes the river, and a tree whose trunk and roots look like children, to represent the students and the nature that surrounds them at the Kemptville campus. Director of Education for the CEPEO, Edith Dumont, says the logo and the school’s name tells people where they are and where they are going. “This inauguration signifies much more than a building in a given community. Today’s ceremony proves our school board is committed to providing high quality French education.”
The school, which opened its doors in September with 31 children, is now up to 44, with children enrolling late last year and early this year. “That is a 25% increase,” says enthusiastic Principal, Josée Bédard. “I am convinced that the future of our school is full of success.”
