Dear École Van Belleghem Community,  

I am pleased to share an update about the construction of the new French Immersion school in Sage Creek. The project is ahead of schedule, and the school is set to open its doors in September 2025. This is an exciting development that will help relieve enrolment pressures currently experienced at École Van Belleghem. 

This new facility will serve Kindergarten to Grades 8 French Immersion students residing in Sage Creek and Bonavista. As part of this development, next school year: 

• All French Immersion students at École Sage Creek School and current Grade 7 French Immersion students at Collège Béliveau will be reassigned to the new school. 
• French Immersion students residing in Bonavista and currently attending École Van Belleghem will also be reassigned. See map below.

These families will receive an invitation to an information evening scheduled for Dec. 9. 

Plans are underway for the new school to offer Middle Immersion (Grade 4 entry) and Late Immersion (Grade 6 entry). This aligns with Manitoba Education’s call to expand access to French Immersion programming. 

Additionally, as enrolments at École Van Belleghem are anticipated to decline following the transition, the two portable classrooms will be relocated to Island Lakes Community School, where there is a growing need for space. 

Updates similar to this are being sent to families in other impacted school communities. A detailed description of school facilities and projected enrolments will be published in the coming weeks to keep all school communities informed. 

We thank you for your understanding and support as we work to expand access to high-quality French Immersion education in our division. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to communications@lrsd.net. 

Sincerely, 

Christian Michalik 

Superintendent & CEO