History of Ecole Bonaventure
in the Lord Selkirk School Division
The French Immersion program began in the Lord Selkirk School Division in 1987. It began with a request by parents. The first class was a combined Kindergarten/grade 1 class which was housed in a vacant classroom located in the two story section of Selkirk Junior High. Although physically located in the Selkirk Junior High Complex, the program was administered through the adjacent Robert Smith School where Lawrence Kristalovich was the Principal at the time. Thus, we were called Robert Smith French Immersion.
This arrangement proved to be an effective way to begin a fledgling program as it provided the opportunity to share Robert Smith's facilities, programs and resources.
Bob Wur replaced Lawrence Kristalovich as principal at Robert Smith in 1988 and Lucie Kuly joined the French Immersion team as a teacher that same year. As each year progressed, another grade level was added every year and so our enrollment grew quickly. Those were very interesting years as they often resembled an authentic one room schoolhouse atmosphere.
In 1989 we had five grades. Lucie was then appointed Vice Principal to administer the Immersion Program. In 1991, we had a full complement of elementary grades, ( kindergarten - grade six) and we were on our way to independence as a school. Lucie Kuly was named prinicpal of the Immersion program and at the time the Lord Selkirk School Division Board of Trustees voted to continue the French Immersion Program in Junior High. Ecole Selkirk Junior High became a dual track school accepting the French Immersion Graduates from Ecole Bonaventure. Our graduates were able to continue on their bilinual journey.
On June 27, 1994, at a joyous celebration, Robert Smith French Immersion was officially renamed Ecole Bonaventure. The name represents the adventure that had been embarked upon by parents, students and staff. It also reflects the spirit of adventure and opportunity that children encounter when they set foot on the road to bilingualism.
In 1995 the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive High School accepted Ecole Selkirk Junior High School's French Immersion graduates. The necessary course options are available for the students so that they may graduate from S4 with a French Immersion certificate. The first graduates from the French Immersion Program in the Lord Selkirk School Division graduated in June 1999.
Lucie Kuly continued to be a strong leader and advocate promoting the French Immersion program until her retirement in June of 2004.
Rachelle Tougas is currently the principal of Ecole Bonaventure, where it continues as the only Elementary French Immersion in the Lord Selkirk School Division .
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