Ecole St. Mary High School Open House Welcomes Future Students

Ecole St. Mary High School will open its doors to prospective students and families on March 6 and 7, 2024, as part of its annual Open House event. Principal Dwayne Gareau announced that the format will remain consistent with previous years, focusing on providing valuable insights into the school’s philosophy and facilities.

The Open House will commence at 6:30 p.m. each evening, following an introductory address from Gareau at 6:15 p.m. in the school gymnasium. The event allows visitors to tour the school’s various facilities and understand how the institution operates. Gareau emphasized the importance of showcasing the entire campus, stating, “We don’t know what they want to see, so we just show everything.” This approach ensures that students may discover interests they had not previously considered.

Over the course of two evenings, the Open House typically attracts a significant number of visitors, reflecting the school’s reputation within the community. For many families, this event serves as a crucial transition point, particularly for those with children entering high school for the first time. Gareau noted, “There is a transition into high school, especially if it’s a first child,” highlighting that different students and families have varying levels of comfort with the process.

The City of Prince Albert offers a range of high school options, and Gareau respects the choices families make based on their individual needs. He remarked, “They’re just making a choice based on what’s best for them as a family and as a student.” This diversity in educational options also extends to the selection of classes available within schools, allowing for a tailored educational experience.

Gareau believes that the ability to choose a school contributes positively to the educational landscape. “It tends to draw students that want to be in your building, and if students want to be in your building, you obviously have students that want to be successful,” he explained. The Open House is designed to provide families with an opportunity to explore what Ecole St. Mary has to offer, fostering connections between prospective students and school administration.

The tours will be led by Gareau along with vice principals Jason Bourdon and Lydia McLeod. This initiative not only allows families to ask questions but also helps establish early connections with school leadership. Gareau noted, “It gives them an opportunity to make connections automatically right away with a principal or a vice principal.”

Most attendees are typically Grade 8 students preparing to transition to Grade 9, although there are instances of older students and newcomers to the city joining the event. This broad outreach reflects the school’s commitment to accommodating various educational paths and interests.

The Open House at Ecole St. Mary High School presents a unique opportunity for families to engage with the school community and gather essential information about the educational environment. As the event approaches, families are encouraged to take part and explore the possibilities that await them.