MONCTON (GNB) – The new francophone school in Moncton for children in kindergarten through Grade 5 will be called École Claudette-Bradshaw. The school will be part of a new complex currently under construction that will also include a school for students in Grades 6 to 8.

“This name is a very appropriate choice and recognizes the late Claudette Bradshaw’s outstanding contribution over the course of her career,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “Ms. Bradshaw would have been very pleased to see her name associated with a public educational institution. There is no better tool for social development than a public school when it comes to improving people’s lives. The school will help to equip the next generation with the tools they need to explore career and life readiness [link in French only], become independent citizens, and achieve success in their social and personal lives.”

The complex will accommodate students from the Le Sommet, Champlain, and Le Mascaret schools. The project includes a financial contribution from the federal government for the addition of an early learning and child-care centre.

“We will always remember Ms. Bradshaw for her commitment towards the less fortunate and for her exceptional kindness,” said Michel Côté, chair of the Francophone Sud District Education Council. “She embodied the values of our school district and today, she leaves a mark on our district’s history. We are extremely proud of this new school.”

The complex is being built near the current site of École l’Odyssée and is scheduled to open in September 2023. It will help address the recent substantial growth in student enrolment in the greater Moncton area and will have the capacity to add classrooms as the student population grows.

“Ms. Bradshaw was an example of leadership in her community,” said Monique Boudreau, superintendent of the Francophone sud school district. “A woman politician, she has advocated for literacy and mental health, among other issues. During her career, she earned a special place in the hearts of Acadians. Ms. Bradshaw is an example of perseverance and success for our students.”

The new complex will free up space at existing Moncton schools and help ensure that students have adequate access to specialized learning facilities such as a gymnasium, science labs, and music and arts rooms to promote both school-based learning and personal growth.