Conseil scolaire Centre-Est

There’s something powerful about walking into a school and immediately feeling like you’re welcome there—a community that welcomes you with open arms, smiling faces, and compassion. That’s the tone Conseil scolaire Centre-Est’s school division has set with its open houses this year.

These aren’t just information sessions. They’re an invitation to step inside, meet the students, learn more about the teachers, and experience the culture that defines each school. The invitation aligns with the division’s mission to promote French-language education, strive for excellence, encourage identity development, collaborate with families, and engage the communities it serves.

So far, that invitation has been met with real momentum. École Sainte-Catherine in Lac La Biche and École Beauséjour in Plamondon have already hosted their open houses, and by all accounts, they were a success. Families showed up, meaningful conversations took place, and lasting connections were made.

École du Sommet’s Open House

École du Sommet in St. Paul is hosting its open house this evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity for families to experience the environment firsthand—classrooms, programs, and the people who bring it all to life.

Yesterday, Brinson had the opportunity to interview two Grade 2 students, three Grade 5 students, and two Grade 12 students from the school. He asked about their involvement and what they enjoy most about attending.

One student shared, “I feel safe, I feel heard, and I really have great connections with my teachers and my classmates.”

That sense of belonging comes up again and again. As another student added, “A lot of people love to compare our school to one big family… it’s just been like coming to see my day-to-day family.”

It’s not just about academics—it’s about relationships, trust, and consistency. Students also spoke confidently about the opportunities available to them: “We get so many more chances to do stuff that normal kids can’t do.”

From leadership initiatives to cultural experiences and extracurricular activities, there is a strong emphasis on growth beyond the classroom. For many, learning in French is a defining advantage. A Grade 12 student shared, “Honestly, just being able to speak French… it’s such a huge thing to have in life.”

That perspective matters. It speaks to both identity and future opportunity.

Remaining Open Houses

For families who haven’t had a chance to attend yet, there are still two upcoming opportunities to experience the environment cultivated by Conseil scolaire Centre-Est:

• École des Beaux-Lacs (Bonnyville): May 8, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• École Voyageur (Cold Lake): May 12, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

These open houses offer more than a walkthrough. They provide a genuine look at what day-to-day life feels like inside these schools—something that’s difficult to capture on paper, but easy to recognize in person.

One student from École du Sommet summed it up simply: “We’re like siblings to each other.”

That kind of environment doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built—intentionally, consistently, and with care.

If you’re considering your options, it’s worth seeing for yourself.