Grade 4 kids left without a classroom
Posted September 23, 2017 7:31 am.
Last Updated September 23, 2017 8:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A French catholic elementary school in Mississauga is being forced to use their library as a makeshift classroom after the city refused to send an inspector for final review of two brand new portables.
“It’s disappointing to hear that sometimes they’re eating lunch on a milk crate or on a bench, instead of a table where they can get their lunch out properly”, says Tracy Neil, a concerned parent.
Her son is among the 45 grade four students at ÉÉC Saint-Jean-Baptiste who have to hit the books in the library.
The school has grown by over 50% over the past 4 years and just installed 2 brand new portables over the summer – fully set up with new desks, air conditioning and a smart board.
However, the city can’t send an inspector for final review until it receives the proper documentation and permits from the French Catholic school board Mon Avenir.
“As soon as they submit the proper documentation, the city will do everything that they can to fast track this” says local Coun. Matt Mahoney.
“I’ve committed to that as well, we want to get them in those classrooms where they belong”
CityNews contacted Andre Blais, Director of Education and the Secretary for the French Catholic school board Mon Avenir. He says he’s been in contact with Coun. Mahoney and is working on the matter saying he hopes to get at least temporary permits for the school.
“I’m not going to play the name game…we were under the impression that everything was properly submitted”
However, it turns out there were 2 outstanding issues – certain sections of the plan weren’t properly legible and there was an issue with the parking lines.
In the meantime, the school’s principal is trying to make the best out of a bad situation.
“My number one priority is to make sure the kids are safe and learning” said Vicky Marcotte.
It isn’t the first time this has happened at the school. A similar scenario took place two years ago, when students were attending class in the library till December.
Parents and teachers are hopeful this matter won’t take nearly that long and that it will be resolved soon.
