Spruceland Elementary said a final au revoir to its French immersion colleagues and students yesterday.
Beginning in September, all French immersion elementary students will attend Lac des Bois, formerly known as Lakewood junior secondary.
English and French track students and their families took part in Family Fun Day. The school received 700 RSVPs for the event.
There was face painting, a bubble station, activities in the field, and a long sheet of paper stretched across the chain link fence where kids could paint a mural. Two bouncy houses were also on hand to entertain the youngsters. The PAC put on a barbecue to feed the hungry guest and there was also a door prize draw for a picnic barbecue from Costco. An awards ceremony followed the outdoor fun.
A bittersweet atmosphere swirled throughout Family Fun Day. All are excited that school is now out for the summer, but for French Immersion students it also means heading to a new school, meeting new teachers and friends, and leaving behind friends in the English track.
French immersion was introduced in Prince George elementary schools 25 years ago, so the recent reconfiguration marks the end of an era.
Most of the students and parents affected by the school change are "not too happy," said PAC chair Shauna Connor. She has two children, ages six and nine, that will attend Lac des Bois next school year.
Removing French immersion from Spruceland creates a problem for Colinda Harraway because she has children in the English and French track. Now she has to be involved with two different schools.
Students will have to leave behind their English track friends, which is the case for Elena Thomas's two children. Her kids are a bit worried that a playground hasn't been put in at Lac des Bois yet. Thomas is confident in the new school's administration. Madeleline Crandell is a "great principal" who will "make it the best school it can be." She hopes the elementary school will grow.
The projected enrolment at Lac De Bois will be 220 by the time school starts in September, said Madeleine Crandell, College Heights elementary's current principal. Not all French immersion students will be at Lac des Bois because some decided to switch over to the English track and stay with the same elementary school.
Lakewood junior secondary had 246 students over the past school year. The school was previously on the chopping block in 2004 due to low enrollment and cost pressures.
