PRINCE GEORGE ————

After 23 years, the Prince George francophone program
finally has its own school!

The Prince George francophone program has been around
since 1979, and we finally have our own all-French
school primary school. This year, the 100 students
(Kindergarten - Grade 7) celebrated their return to studies
in an all-French school. The 43 high school students still
attend Duchess Park School, where the program is available
to students in grades 8 through 12.

The project to obtain an all-French school began when
the CSF took charge of francophone education in Prince
George. This project became possible following cutbacks
at the Prince George school district, which announced
the closure of area schools in the spring of 2002. With
the announcement of the likely closure of KGV School,
which housed the francophone program, the parents
committee seized the opportunity to develop the
possibility of an all-French school.

To ensure parents’ participation in the process, the committee
set up a school re-location committee made up of parents,
teaching staff, CSF representatives, and community members.
The parents committee determined its priorities, which
it presented to the CSF and to the re-location committee.

In June, the committee met to tour the schools that met
its criteria. Following lengthy and productive
negotiations between the CSF and the Prince George
School Board, our students entered Seymour School
in September 2002. We currently lease the school
while the CSF is examining the possibility of purchase.
Since other schools are closing in Prince George, the re-
location committee will have to submit its preferences
and recommend the best option for the students.

For the time being, the whole school population is
thrilled to be at Seymour and we already have ideas to
improve and develop the current site. We are considering
this seriously. Perhaps the next step will be to include the
high school at Seymour School. One thing is certain, the
all-French school was made possible through the
dedicated work of the CSF and the parents.

Louise Céoté-Madill, APE President

CAMPBELL RIVER

The Campbell Rive francophone parents association began
the new school year with a welcome for new teachers and
parents. Late in the 2001-2002 school year, students created
the banners that are currently displayed on town streets and
businesses. All of the students worked tirelessly on this project,
with help from teachers and many parents. Thank you all!

This year, the APE plans to introduce numerous fund-raising
activities, organize special events, and develop a partnership
with teaching staff, parents, and immersion students who now
share our school. We wish everyone an excellent school year!

Maria Stinchcombe, APE Parent

KAMLOOPS

The second school year in Kamloops began like the first-with
both highs and lows. On the up side, the student population
increased by 50% from 12 to 18 (Kindergarten - Grade 5).
To adjust to this increase, school staff now includes five
members: one teaching assistant, two full-time teachers, and two
part-time teachers. We have also added a second classroom.

On the down side, although quite substantial, the 50% increase
in personnel falls below CSF June forecasts 2001- figures that
were used to allocate new resources to our school over the
summer. In light of this situation, the CSF felt bound during the
first month of classes to reassess the allocation of these new
resources. It goes without saying that the expected loss of
significant gains, coupled with the difficulties associated with
program expansion, has raised some concern among the parents
and school staff. The situation also helped to create considerable
tension throughout the month of September. In the end, and in
response to the serious concerns expressed by the parents, the
decision to maintain the status quo (in terms of personnel and
budget) demonstrates CSF confidence, commitment, vision and
determination in the future of our school and for this we thank
CSF sincerely.

For its part, the APE has undertaken to raise the school's profile
within the community and to develop a strategy to recruit new
students in the short and medium terms. We already know that
six Kindergarten students will join us in September 2003. In
conclusion, I would like to ask the other APEs, "Are growth spurts
always this painful?"

Gilles Viaud, APE President

RICHMOND

Efforts pay off!The Richmond francophone school is beginning
its second year. Thanks to the dedicated work of our eight parent
volunteers, the Eight Musketeers, and our Principal Mme
Bilodeau, the number of students has more than tripled this year
over last year's figure. Within the space of one year, we have
expanded from 8 to 26 students in Kindergarten to Grade 3. Our
little school has really grown...

Last year, we hoped to have two classes in 2002-2003. We've
managed it! Welcome Mme Odette Cloutier, our new
teacher, whose musical talent is appreciated by everyone
at the school! Congratulations to all of the parents who
spent many hours recruiting, even over the summer! Special
thanks to Danielle Alie, Nancy Asselin, Sylvie Blanchard,
Rachelle Christopher, Denise McGrath and Vanessa Polischuk.

The work is far from finished at Richmond school. We are
starting the year with loads of energy and enthusiasm-and
many more parents. And Principal Louisette Bilodeau and
teaching assistant Patricia Garvey remain as devoted as
ever. Speaking of the APE, 18 of the 23 families attended
the first informal meeting on September 24, 2002. We
discussed activities for the coming year and enjoyed slices
of Pizza Pizazz, which we will sell during the year as
part of our fund-raising activities. This will be good for
both the stomach and the APE treasury at the same time!
There you have it, a new, highly promising year is
underway!

Nancy Bergeron, Councillor & Danielle Alie, APE President

PAGE. 14 INFO-PARENTS