Quibeke Media reported on October 11: Villa Sainte-Marcellline, a well-known private school in Westmount, suddenly notified parents that the school was about to be closed. This overwhelmed more than 600 parents, and everything happened so suddenly. How can the school be like a joke, saying that the school will be closed and terminated, and the education will be over?
This private girls' school was founded in 1959 on Xishan by Soeurs de Sainte-Marcellline and has a history of more than 60 years. The school provides preschool, primary and high school education for students.
Last Thursday, the school suddenly sent a letter to parents, explaining: "The nuns who own this building have decided not to lease this top-level women's private school next year. The school has not yet determined what to do next, but the possibility of closing the school is not ruled out."
The parents who received the notice said they were "extremely shocked" what students should do and how to arrange their subsequent studies.
A parent named Nina Gonzalez Bychkova said that he went to school here when he was a child, and the same goes for his daughter Maya. She has been studying since kindergarten until now (primary school).
"My daughter is very anxious and sad now. She is worried that she will never see her friends again."
It is reported that the school will vote internally this Thursday to decide whether to close the school.
In another letter to parents last Friday, the school said, "The nuns' decision to not renew the lease is very sudden, and the school just received the notice 2 days ago."
The nuns' explanation was that they had no choice.
The nuns wrote in a statement: "The building has been disrepaired and is now facing safety issues. Continuing to rent will bear legal liability for safety. But we cannot pay or raise sufficient funds for repairs.
Sainte-Marcelline nuns
Therefore, "moral obligations" and responsibilities have to make such a painful decision to the school (Villa) Sainte-Marcellline sent a notice of not renewing the lease. "
"We regret the impact this decision has on students, parents and school staff."
The explanation of the nuns' "no money" and the school may make a decision to "close schools" in the future. Many parents expressed "very angry".
Elliott Soifer is the father of two girls in this school and a member of the school scholarship foundation. He said that this is the first time he has heard that there are such serious problems in the school building.
He was angry that the relevant parties "do not communicate in time" because it was "absolutely a nightmare" for parents who had to find a school for their children. You should know that at this time, most schools have closed their admission application channels.
Isabelle Roy, a member of the school’s parent board and alumni association, said the entire community has taken action and is doing everything possible to save the school, including fundraising.
She said: "I am very confident that there are still many options. I can tell you that many of us are constantly evaluating each option. What I can reveal is that several directors on the board will vote against the closure of the school." Will this Montreal old private school close in the end? Quebec Media will provide you with tracking reports.
Article originated from:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/villa-sainte-marcellline-facing-closure-lease-not-renewed-1.6612220
