There is a new look and new programs being offered at École élémentaire catholique (ÉÉC) Paul VI in Hawkesbury.
On Wednesday, September 18, the school community held an outdoor celebration for families and an opening ceremony was held to unveil the school’s new program and modernized learning spaces. More than $1 million in renovations at the school on Main Street began in December 2022.
ÉÉC Paul VI now aims to be an active entrepreneurial school that is open to its community. Entrepreneurial pedagogy is at the heart of the teaching of the framework programs in order to develop problem-solving and collaboration skills. In addition, ÉÉC Paul VI focuses on the development of language skills in both French and English to enable its students to achieve a high level of quality in bilingualism. It also offers a range of sports programs, including soccer, basketball and volleyball.
Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO) Chair Jean Lemay said the new focus is part of the school board’s vision. He emphasized the school, and its programs for the students.
“This school was built for you,” he said to the audience.
Lemay added the school will better allow students to display their talents and passions.
CSDCEO Trustee André-Paul Lalonde, who represents Hawkesbury, said ÉÉC Paul VI is a “transformed” school now.
The school now has an accessible entrance with a new façade and a schoolyard featuring green spaces, a community garden, outdoor learning classrooms, a climbing wall, a new soccer field, new play structures, a running track and a rain garden.
CSDCEO Director of Education Lyne Racine explained the transformations at ÉÉC Paul VI make it possible to offer even more innovative programs to ensure the success and well-being of all students. She said the ambition of the board to transform the school into an entrepreneurial eco-school that cares about the environment is now a concrete reality.
“I’m proud that the Hawkesbury community is at the heart of this,” Racine said.
She said the entrepreneurial and ecological focus will guide students towards receiving necessary qualifications for future employment by learning in a stimulating environment.
ÉÉC Paul VI Principal Yanick Joly said the school is now more accessible, offers more greenspace, opportunities for outdoor appreciation, and a new playground.
“We are proud to present a transformed, modernized school,” Joly said.
He added the school is growing. There were 30 new student registrations at the beginning of the current school year. There are around 200 students attending the school.
Named after Pope Paul VI (1963-1968), ÉÉC Paul VI first opened in 1968 and offers French-language, Catholic education for grades one to six.
