News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The names of the first recipients of the new Étincelles awards were announced today.

The award is presented to schools, early learning and child-care facilities and organizations offering early childhood services. Its purpose is to recognize effective practices and inspiring innovations that enhance the educational experience in the francophone system.

“We want to highlight the dedication, leadership, professionalism and collaborative practices of those who make the educational experience stimulating and foster the right conditions to provide our youth with enriching learning opportunities,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan. “Our education system is evolving, and, now more than ever, we need to promote collaboration among school staff, parents, the community, employers and other key stakeholders to give children and students experiences that will guide them toward career and life readiness.” 

Among the many nominations received, 10 were selected for Étincelles awards, including one initiative that involves a partnership outside the province.

Nominated projects were screened by a committee to ensure they were aligned with the francophone education system’s objectives. The department will be providing a $1,500 grant to each recipient to go toward improving practices and innovations that enhance the quality of learning environments.

This year’s recipients are:

Francophone nord-est school district

School component

• École Le Tournesol: Elementary class projects and workshops
• École Marguerite-Bourgeoys: Christmas market

Preschool component

• Les Amis de la Grandview

Francophone nord-ouest school district

School component

• École Mgr-Martin: MGR pour tous (MGR for all)

Preschool component

• Francophone nord-ouest school district office team: La lecture en famille (reading as a family)

Francophone sud school district

School component

• École des Bâtisseurs: Structured literacy
• École Les Éclaireurs: Fluppy à la maternelle (Fluppy goes to kindergarden)
• École Mgr-Marcel-François-Richard: Panda ice cream

Preschool component

• Southeast Social Pediatric Centre

Initiatives and practices outside the province

• École L’Odyssée: Savoir sans frontière (Knowledge without borders)

“The diversity, capacity for inclusion and vitality of our education system, combined with the tremendous work done to nurture and stimulate cultural and linguistic pride among children and teens from early childhood throughout their educational journey, are assets to our public schools,” said Hogan. “We have much to be proud of, and this new award is a reflection of this dynamic momentum. All participants can take pride in the projects they submitted. Congratulations to the recipients.”

The department will continue recognizing teaching staff initiatives through the Excellence in Education Awards.

Additional information on the new award and the Allumez l’étincelle (light the spark) campaign is available online (French only).