Renovated Bouctouche school receives UNESCO designation

BOUCTOUCHE, NB, April 13 /CNW/ - Renovations totalling $11.5 million at École Clément-Cormier were officially unveiled today.

Premier Shawn Graham participated in the event and announced that the school is the 17th designated francophone community school in New Brunswick. It is the first high school to be recognized as an entrepreneurial community school by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"In addition to having a student centre, cafeteria and classrooms that comply with modern standards, students will be able to develop their entrepreneurial skills through the entrepreneurial community schools concept," Graham said. "The government has committed to ensuring that schools are healthy and safe. It is also helping young people reach their full potential by creating learning environments that enable them to follow their passion."

Two elementary schools in New Brunswick, École Blanche-Bourgeois entrepreneurial community school in Cocagne and École Champlain community school in Moncton, have already been designated UNESCO schools, and others could follow shortly under a June 2009 agreement between New Brunswick and UNESCO.

"Since the renovations were completed I can say that the students of École Clément-Cormier feel good about their new surroundings," said student council president Mélanie Boudreau. "Class activities are no longer limited due to lack of space or concerns about disturbing adjoining classes due to poor sound proofing. There is now a special area where students can meet and socialize and a proper place to eat at the brand new cafeteria. All in all, the school is now much more welcoming."

David A. Walden, the secretary-general of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, sent a message to Bouctouche and the province.

"The key to viable community development is more comprehensive, inclusive, and entrepreneurial education that allows each person's true potential to emerge," said Walden. "But this must happen through education that raises consciousness within the context of greater social justice and a profound respect for nature."

As a result of the renovations the school has been recognized under the Start Smart Commercial Buildings Incentive Program by Efficiency NB for its commitment to energy efficiency. The school was built in 1979 and now accommodates almost 600 students in grades nine to 12.

For further information: Media Contacts: Johanne Le Blanc, communications, Department of Education, [phone]; Tracey Somers, communications, Efficiency NB, [phone]; Alysouk Lynhiavu, co-ordinator, national secretariat, UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network, [phone]