Remi Poliquin
Counsel
New, Bright Classrooms at Birchwood
by Dan Mullins
A new school year is always an exciting time, but at Birchwood Elementary in Saint-Lazare this year, it was even more special than usual. As previously reported, over the summer a brand new, six-classroom modular building was added to the existing structure. These classrooms were ready for students now in grades five and six upon their return after summer vacation.
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Under the supervision of the project manager, engineer Jean-Mitchell Sanchez, construction was completed shortly before the start of classes in conformity with strict safety codes. Teachers then showed exemplary dedication and quickly did an incredible job making the bright and spacious classrooms into comfortable spaces suitable for learning.
“When we went in there was a real wow effect,” said Birchwood principal Laurence Assouline of the finished addition.
“It’s really good, it’s really quiet,” reported sixth grade French teacher Manon Bournival. “I think it’s nice to experience this with the cycle three students. I think it’s a privilege to find ourselves here, as just cycle 3.”
Zoe Dufour, who handles the English parts of the same students’ curriculum, agreed. “I like the setup, it’s very well done,” she said. “We described it to the students as a middle school. They really like it and we like it too. We notice that they kind of are coming in more mature, quieter.”
Adding to the sense of a special area for the older students, Assouline explained that “they have their own entrance, so it’s really a special atmosphere over there,” The new structure and main building are also connected by hallways, so while the students have their own area, they still an important part of the Birchwood Elementary family.
The addition of the new classrooms has allowed the school to welcome additional younger students to classrooms in the main building. “The first floor of the main building is all kindergarten, because there are six kindergarten classes, between K5 and K4. We have a hundred kindergarten students.”
Birchwood’s playground was also redesigned, representing a fun addition to the school’s outdoor spaces. “When I meet students at an assembly, the first thing they say is they love the playground,” said Assouline.
While the playground is already a hit, the school is currently awaiting the installation and inspection of one final play structure. Additionally, cleanup and landscaping following the construction will provide space for a brand-new soccer field. So even as Birchwood has never been better, the best is still yet to come.
