Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord marks the official inauguration and unveiling of the new name of Thunder Bay’s first French-language public school

Thunder Bay – It is with great enthusiasm that the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord celebrates another unforgettable moment in the history of French-language public education. Members of the CS Grand Nord, along with parents, staff, students and guests, officially marked the inauguration of their new school on Friday, May 24, 2024.

École publique de Thunder Bay opened its doors on September 6, 2023. The school, located at 511 Victoria Avenue West, features multiple classrooms, a reception area for parents and guests, a library that stimulates curiosity and creativity and opens a door to new worlds, and a gymnasium that not only delivers the physical education and health curriculum but also emphasizes cultural and artistic activities. Furthermore, the large schoolyard provides a space where students can have fun and learn in an environment conducive to exploration and imagination.

During the year, a committee comprised of students, parents and staff representing the school community was tasked with choosing a new school name, École publique des Vents du Nord. According to school principal Oye-Sem Won, “École publique des Vents du Nord represents a place of learning where students will continue to evolve and grow in an environment that fosters intellectual, social, physical and cultural development. The logo is a symbol of our identity, representing Thunder Bay’s natural landscape and its importance to the school. In the distance, we see the sun and the profile of the Sleeping Giant, and in the foreground, we see Lake Superior-an inspiration for the region. This familiar imagery evokes a deep sense of local pride and tranquility. The sun on the horizon reminds us that our mission is to develop and build a better future for our students and our community,” adds Oye-Sem Won.

According to Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord Board Chair, Anne-Marie Gélineault, “The Board is very proud to be able to offer the students of École publique des Vents du Nord a rigorous curriculum-based learning environment where students can further develop a linguistic and cultural identity that gives them a sense of belonging to the French-speaking community. We have all the tools in hand – qualified, dedicated staff and great facilities – to offer students a French-language public education and a rich, diverse life experience. CS Grand Nord is continually committed to excellence in French-language education and is pleased to be able to offer quality school programming to the families it serves, in a French-language school environment where the French language, open-mindedness and human values are at the forefront.”

Parents wishing to register their children at École publique des Vents du Nord can contact the school principal at 807 622-6266 or visit epvn.grandnord.ca.

Recognized for its keen sense of innovation and openness to the world, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord offers a French-language public education of the highest quality in fifteen elementary schools and eight secondary schools in the communities of Markstay, Noëlville, Greater Sudbury, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Longlac and Thunder Bay.

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Carole Dubé
Director of Communications
Cell: 705 929-3117