CONSEIL DES ÉCOLES CATHOLIQUES DU CENTRE-EST
The CECCE Announces the identified parcel of Land for the Construction of the New Académie catholique Notre-Dame

The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) is proud to announce the identified site along with the Municipality of North Grenville for the construction of the new Académie catholique Notre-Dame. This long-awaited project will bring together students currently spread across different buildings on the Kemptville Campus, offering a state-of-the-art and unifying school facility.

At this morning's (June 19) press conference, the Honourable Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds, Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, took the opportunity to announce approximately $4 million in funding from the provincial government for the purchase of this land.

Quick Facts : 

• The land identified by the CECCE for the construction of the new school is also located on the Kemptville Campus, not far from the school's current site.
• Students will benefit from a stimulating and technologically advanced learning environment.
• The strong and vibrant Francophone community of Kemptville will be able to consolidate its identity through this new facility.
• The new school will accommodate a total of 417 students, as well as a day-care center. The opening date has yet to be determined.
• Energy efficiency and sustainable development technologies will be integrated into the building's design, promoting sustainable practices in line with the CECCE's values of environmental respect.
• A gymnasium intended solely for the use by the new CECCE school's students will be constructed on site.

Concept Sketch of the New Académie catholique Notre-Dame
 

Addition of Sports Facilities

The CECCE is in discussions with the Municipality of North Grenville to develop a partnership for the addition of sports facilities on the site. This installation would allow students and community members of Kemptville of all ages to practice a variety of sports year-round. Furthermore, several sports teams or organizations could hold their practices or activities simultaneously outside school hours, as the facility could be divided into sections, enabling different sports to be practiced at the same time.

Equestrian program

Académie catholique Notre-Dame is also proud to announce that the equestrian program developed as part of a strategic project in the Santé humaine et terrestre concentration will return next year. This program, a great success with students, enables them to discover different equestrian styles, as well as the many trades related to the field.

Quotes :

"On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville, we are so pleased to welcome the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est to a permanent home on Kemptville Campus.  Our community is proud to serve a growing number of Francophone and Francophile families, many of whom will embrace the enhanced educational opportunities provided by CECCE on our beautiful Kemptville Campus.  As many know, The Campus is comprised of 626 acres which includes 18 buildings, an extensive network of trails, wetlands, croplands as well as an agro-forestry centre. There is no doubt that there is ample room for this brand new elementary and high school", affirmed Nancy Peckford, Mayor of the Municipality of North Grenville.

"Identifying this parcel of land marks a significant advancement for our school board and the Francophone community of Kemptville. We are excited to offer our students a state-of-the-art and stimulating educational environment that will perfectly meet the needs of our community. I would like to thank the Honourable Steve Clark for his presence, as well as the Ontario government for providing approximately $4 million for the acquisition of the land, in addition to the funding already granted by the Ministry of Education for the construction of the new school," said Johanne Lacombe, Chair of the CECCE.

"Although the current buildings on the Kemptville Campus have a certain charm and are appreciated by students and staff, the construction of this new school provides us with the opportunity to unite all students in a single building. This will foster a sense of community and allow for better use of resources. Additionally, students will have access to modern and innovative facilities conducive to their academic and personal growth," stated Diane Burns, School Trustee for the Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville sector.

"By identifying this site and planning the construction of this new school, the CECCE reinforces its commitment to offer quality education imbued with Catholic values and support the development of Francophone culture in the region," indicated Marc Bertrand, Director of Education.

"As a father, I understand that the local school really is the heart of the community, and that it's so important for young families to have a school that's close to home," said Todd Smith, Minister of Education. "Our government is listening to hard-working moms and dads, which is why we are delivering a new, state-of-the-art Académie catholique Notre-Dame for Kemptville families, along with increasing funding, staffing and a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing and math to help ensure students graduate with the fundamental skills they need to succeed."