The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The NDP government will build a new K-12 French school in Thompson, meeting a growing need for French-as-a-first-language education in the northern city. Premier Greg Selinger made the announcement Friday in Thompson. 'The new school will enrich the lives of the students and community and have a positive impact on the vitality of Franco-Manitoban culture in the North,' he said. Construction is expected to start this fall with completion anticipated for the winter of 2014. It is currently in the early design stage. Currently, 78 French language students attend ?cole La Voie du Nord, located in Thompson's Burntwood Elementary School, under a shared-facility agreement with the local school district. The new school will be part of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM), which will work with the province on the final design. Premier Selinger said the school 'will provide students with a quality education and a comfortable learning environment' and 'serve as a focal point for the thriving French community in Thompson to meet and gather.' 'We know quality learning is important to Thompson families,' he added. 'Having an accessible, nurturing environment in which young children can learn, grow and develop their skills is crucial in the early years, and that is why we are also pleased to announce that an early learning and child-care centre will be housed at the new school.' _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
