News release

Ecole Pomquet Officially Opens

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Education Minister Angus MacIsaac was in Pomquet, Antigonish Co., today, May 5, to officially open Ecole acadienne de Pomquet. The minister spoke during a ceremony where a plaque was unveiled to mark the event.

"Ecole acadienne de Pomquet is equipped with the resources our students need today and in the future," said Mr. MacIsaac. "For example, in the technical education room, they're developing multimedia skills, while in the visual arts and music rooms, you'll see budding artists and musicians."

The province built Ecole acadienne de Pomquet for about $8 million. There are 11 classrooms, as well as rooms for technical education, visual arts, music, distance education, a cafeteria and a gymnasium. A preschool was built as an addition to the school this year and was funded by Canadian Heritage.

Mr. MacIsaac noted that beyond its role as a learning centre for students, Ecole acadienne de Pomquet is also serving as a cultural centre for the region's Acadian community.

"The gymnasium and classrooms provide additional space for community use after hours or early in the morning," said the minister. "On some evenings this is a place for parents to learn French. Early in the morning, seniors use the gym for exercise."

"Thanks to the Department of Education, the Pomquet community has a chance to learn and grow in French first language," said Kenneth Gaudet, chair of the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP). "The CSAP is pleased and proud to be able to offer such a modern facility to the students of this region."

Richard Marchand, principal of Ecole acadienne de Pomquet, also expressed his satisfaction.

"I feel very lucky to be part of this school, which is located at the centre of the Pomquet community. Thanks to the parents and the population, we feel supported and are encouraged to promote the Acadian culture," said Mr. Marchand.

Ecole acadienne de Pomquet was one of 17 new schools announced in June 2000. The school's enrolment is 154 students in grades primary to 10 and will grow to include all senior grades by 2004- 05.