French school boards elect new leaders

Both local French school boards recently held elections to appoint new leaders for the 2013-2014 school year.

Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO) trustees elected Jean-Marc Aubin as chair and Claude Giroux as vice-chair at their Dec. 6 meeting.

Aubin has an extensive background in education. Best known for his community and political commitment, Aubin has been an advocate of Francophone rights.

Giroux has been a board trustee with CSPGNO since 2000. Besides his work and family obligations, Giroux has been an active member of the school council at École publique Foyer-Jeunesse in Hanmer and has also served as school council chair at École secondaire Hanmer.

As board trustee, he has been a member of numerous committees such as Board Policy and Guidelines, Finance and Plant, Human Resources and Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).

Also on Dec. 6, Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) trustees elected André Bidal as president and Paul Demers as vice-president.

“I take great pride in being selected to represent the CSCNO,” said Bidal, in a press release.

“I recognize the outstanding work accomplished by my predecessor Marcel Montpellier who served as board president for no less than 11 years. Our vision statement, French Catholic students, proud and ready to take their place in society (Des élèves fiers d’être catholiques et francophones prêts à prendre leur place dans la société), clearly expresses our mandate and reminds us of the added value provided by a French language Catholic education.

“Convinced of the quality of education we provide to our students and its importance in the lives of our families, I am greatly motivated to pursue the work that has already been accomplished. I am especially proud to be able to work with a team that takes the success of each and every student to heart.”

CSCNO director of education Lyse-Anne Papineau said the school board will benefit from the leadership, commitment and expertise of Bidal and Demers.

“These two leaders distinguish themselves through their outstanding work and passion for Francophone Catholic education. They will be steadfast in representing the interests of our Catholic taxpayers at both the local and provincial levels.”