New Learning Experience at Ecole Citadelle

The newly constructed Ecole Citadelle is scheduled to open in September and will host approximately 250 students in Grades 4 to 9. According to Principal Lisa Magera, the new design has the school divided by the gym in the middle, with elementary classes on one side and junior high classes on the other.

“The traffic flow should be much easier than the building we’re in right now,” said Magera. The layout will be useful for student gatherings for announcements, award ceremonies and other activities.

The centrally-located Learning Commons (library) opens onto the gym and is intended to provide a pleasant gathering space for students.

“The centre of the school will be very much a hub for activities,” said Magera. “One of the other cool things we’re hoping to have is a cafeteria space where kids can eat because we have a nice serving area. So that’ll be a plus for junior high students and parents.”

The school offers a few unique experiences: full-time kindergarten, free bussing and a hockey academy for participating students in Grades 4 to 9. “They’re on the ice at least two hours a week, next door at the arena,” said Magera. “It’s at a very reasonable cost because we don’t need to have any bussing.”

Ecole Citadelle will also work with Legal School on the outdoor playground.

“We’re going to be in talks with Legal School to see how we can do something together for both of our schools,” said Magera. She added the plan is to have two outdoor basketball courts open in September.

The new Ecole Citadelle will have room for preschool, a wood workshop, and a team that looks forward to meeting students and their parents. “We have a very dynamic, enthusiastic staff, and we’re hoping to grow our numbers,” said Magera. “We’re looking for new families who want to join our program. And if anybody would like to visit the school or have more information, they can call me.”

Ecole Citadelle plans to host a welcome back event on Aug. 30. Visit their website for more details.