What the kids cut at F.H. Clergue today (15 photos)

The youngest F.H. Clergue French Immersion student, Max Shillingford, and a Grade 8 student representative, Sarah Franz, were given the honour today of cutting the ribbon during a special ceremony celebrating the school's first year in its new building.

The duo was also part of the student presentation, Sharing Experiences From Our First Year, along with Kevin Li (Senior Kindergarten), Annie Varpio (Grade 1), John Pierman (Grade 2), Avery Hemsworth (Grade 3), and Grade 7 students Jackson Allen, Kathleen Boston and Karlee Reece.

In addition to addresses and remarks from Ministry of Education representative Jim White, Algoma District School Board Director of Education Mario Turco, and other school and City dignitaries, those in attendance at the assembly were treated to a delightful Les Voyageurs Dance performance from Richard Vallee and students.

Full text of a news release issued by the Algoma District School Board follows.

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Past and present leaders and students from FH Clergue French Immersion Public School acknowledged at special ribbon cutting ceremony

Over 200 students, dignitaries and special guests including Ministry of Education representative Jim White and Sault Ste Marie City Councillor Susan Myers joined Algoma District School Board (ADSB) trustees and Administrative Council at the ribbon cutting celebration at Francis H. Clergue French Immersion Public School on Tuesday, May 15. 

Special guests also included former FH Clergue, Rosedale and Collegiate Heights staff, trustees, superintendents and administrators.

The ribbon cutting ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the new Francis H. Clergue school facility. 

It was also a chance to acknowledge and thank those who played a significant role in building the French Immersion program into what it is today. 

The ADSB French Immersion Program has grown from 2 SK classes in 1977 to its present enrolment of over 900 students housed in FH Clergue and Rosedale Public Schools.

ADSB Director of Education Mario Turco thanked trustees, superintendents, principals and staff members who helped to build the solid foundation.

“This is an occasion of great significance. The success of this program did not happen by chance and I want to acknowledge those individuals who preceded us since 1977 and who helped pave the way for us enabling us to get to where we are today. I refer to the many students, parents, staff members and School Board Leaders - thank you!”

Director Turco also spoke of his appreciation for the cooperation and involvement of so many individuals and organizations who have helped make the learning facility a reality from Accommodation Review Committee members, architects, engineers, school board plant, carestaff and transportation departments, the board of trustees, senior administration and the school communities of both FH Clergue and Rosedale including parents, staff and students.

City Councillor Susan Myers included an historical perspective as she acknowledged the significant individual for whom the school is named.

FH Clergue students played a significant role in the ceremony providing choral accompaniment for O Canada and presenting musical and dance numbers throughout. 

Through the Eyes of a Student was a segment of the program that had student representatives from each grade of the school (JK to Grade 3 and Grades 7 and 8) share their personal experiences from their first year at the new school.

Ministry of Education Officer Jim White shared greetings from Minister of Education Laurel Broten and presented a Provincial flag to FH Clergue students and principal Brenda O’Neill. 

A newly created FH Clergue flag was also presented to Clergue students and Principal O’Neill by the School Council Vice Chair Sharon Newell.

Although unable to attend due to their schedules in Toronto, both MPP David Orazietti and MP Bryan Hayes sent greetings.

“The completion of this new public elementary school is another example of the province’s commitment to rebuild Sault Ste. Marie’s education system by building state-of-the-art infrastructure that is helping all of our students reach their full potential,” said David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “It has been decades since a provincial government has provided the financial support necessary to substantially improve existing school infrastructure in our city and the increase in local per pupil funding of 65 percent since 2003, has helped to raise graduation rates from 68 percent to 82 percent today."

The youngest student from Junior Kindergarten and a Grade 8 student were the official ribbon cutters at the ceremony, and were joined by:

• Jim White - Ministry of Education Officer
• Sharon Newell - F.H. Clergue School Council Vice Chair
• Jennifer Sarlo - ADSB Chair
• Mario Turco - ADSB Director of Education
• Brenda O’Neill - Principal F.H. Clergue
• David Ellis - Architect
• Roger Rheault - Cy-Rheault Construction 

The Board is planning two more ribbon cutting ceremonies:

• Hornepayne Elementary and Secondary School - Tuesday, May 22, 2012 in Hornepayne (2 p.m.)
• Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School - Tuesday, May 29, 2012  (1:30 p.m.)

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