Province Invests in Arichat-area Students, Families

Acadian and francophone students in Arichat will be learning and playing in a better school.

"The province is putting kids and learning first by providing the best learning environment for Acadian and francophone students at École Beau-Port to ensure they are successful," said Mat Whynott, ministerial assistant for Youth, on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "The improvements will help to make life better for the students and families for many, many years to come."

The province will contribute $600,000, the Municipality of Richmond County $200,000 and Vitalité Isle Madame $250,000 to renovate and upgrade the school, adding a family studies area, a multi-purpose community centre, a fitness centre and administrative offices.

The Department of Canadian Heritage will also invest $750,000 for a new daycare and preschool facilities.

"Canada's two official languages are an integral part of Canadian history and identity," said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "We are proud to protect, celebrate, and strengthen our linguistic duality, and our support for this project is proof of our strong commitment and leadership."

The Conseil scolaire acadien provincial is managing the project with the Department of Education.

"Our school advisory committee is very pleased that government has approved the expansion of École Beau-Port," said Sherry Boudreau, treasurer of the École Beau-Port School Advisory Committee. "This will give our students and community opportunities they did not have before."

The Conseil scolaire acadien provincial school has about 225 students in grades Primary to 12. Work on the project has just begun and is expected to be completed during the 2013-14 school year.