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The addition of Grade 10 to Ecole Allain St-Cyr for September is an important step in solidifying francophone education in the city, but at 95 per cent capacity already, the pressure is on for expansion.
"We're trying to expand the school so we can accommodate Grades 9-11," says Andre Legare, chairperson of the francophone commission board.
Currently, students switch to either Sir John Franklin or St. Patrick high schools when they reach Grade 10.
"Whenever you lose kids to the English system it has an impact on the francophone system," says Legare.
He is excited about the addition of Grade 10, but says a new or renovated school is needed by 2005.
"We're getting into a pretty emergency situation right now," he says.
Ninety-eight students are currently enrolled in the kindergarten to Grade 9 school, which has a capacity of 125 students. The building is only four years old.
The francophone commission is currently in talks with the territorial and federal governments, says Legare.
"We are certainly pushing the government to get a new school," he says.
"Hopefully we'll be fruitful."
Without a gym or a science lab, students currently use facilities at William McDonald school or the gym at the Multiplex.
If growth continues at the rate it is currently going, Legare predicts the need for portable classrooms by 2005.
"Something has to be done pretty soon," he says.
Principal Jacques Anders is busy preparing for the new grade level for September. The school has four teachers on staff who can teach at the secondary level, making the transition easier.
"The parents and kids are happy to know that we're going to have Grade 10," says Anders.
Those students will have the option to continue in Grade 11 the next year, but will have to take some courses on-line.
The Francophone Commission operates from Yellowknife with schools in the city and in Hay River.
