École catholique Franco-Terrace is proud to celebrate its fortieth anniversary this year, marking four decades of dedication to the education of Terrace Bay's French-speaking youth.
Founded by a group of French-speaking parents who had moved to the area to work, the Franco-Terrace Catholic school was born of their desire to offer their children an education in French.
Initially called École St-Martin from 1984 to 1992, the school was then a French-language section of the English-language school of the same name, part of the North of Superior Roman Catholic Separate School Board. It was a time when we had to find our place as a French-speaking section in a predominantly English-speaking environment. We had to adapt, stand out and assert our Francophone pride.
This affirmation of identity has been made possible by a dedicated, committed staff who are proud of their Francophonie. Their passion and determination have enabled the school to lay a solid foundation for the future of francophone education in Terrace Bay.
Jacqueline Comisso, teacher and teaching assistant for 2 years at École St-Martin and 23 years at Franco-Terrace, shares her experience: "When I started we had few or no resources available, so we often had to fend for ourselves. I remember another teacher going to the village butcher's shop to get butcher's paper to use in class with the students. It was a small school with a big heart. I spent my whole career there.
In 1993, the Francophone section decided to change its name to Franco-Terrace Catholic School, but continued to be a section within Saint Martin Anglophone School until the creation of the Francophone school boards in 1998. It was then officially integrated into the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales.
In autumn 2007, the Franco-Terrace Catholic school, while still cohabiting with the English-language St-Martin school, opened its doors in its brand-new building at 17 Cartier Street in Terrace Bay. The move marks an important turning point in the school's history, providing it with a dedicated space.
Caroline Scott, who was a teacher from 1993 to 2003 and headmistress from 2003 to 2017 and then from 2021 to the present day, still remembers that moment: "Having our own school gave us more resources and a better presence in the village. In the old school, we lacked space. Our new school gave us more space and allowed us to take our place."
Today, the Franco-Terrace Catholic school has found its place and its raison d'être within the Terrace Bay school community.
On the occasion of its fortieth anniversary, a festive afternoon is being organized to celebrate the school's history with the whole community! Everyone is invited: former, current and future students and their families, community partners, and Aurores boréales school board staff.
On the program:
Family activities BBQ, inflatable entertainment, ice-cream tasting, memories and reunions.
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Terrace Bay Arena, 1 Selkirk Ave in Terrace Bay
We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone in the school's history, and to continue building the future of our community together, by registering with the school office between now and June 2.
For further information, visit school Facebook page or contact her directly at 807 229-2000.
