CORNWALL, Ontario – Students were officially welcomed back to T.R. Leger School for Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education on Monday, Sept. 24.
The school, now located at the previous Immaculate Conception School building, has 14 campuses across the region.
In March, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) swapped school properties. The CDSBEO purchased the old General Vanier building where T.R. Leger was housed, and the UCDSB acquired Immaculate Conception.
The official reopening saw a packed gymnasium of attendees, including teachers and students, with a lineup of eight guest speakers.
“I am very proud of our students and staff for creating such a caring culture in our new location,” said Sandy McInnes, T.R. Leger Principal in a press release.
According to UCDSB trustee David McDonald, the new location is better situated geographically for many of the students and staff are enjoying the bright, updated space.
“When you attend these graduations in June, you hear the heartfelt stories of perseverance and adversity of individuals to make sure that they can get across that stage and graduate,” said McDonald. “We have individuals who are newcomers coming to Canada, learning our language and settling in to our community…we put programs in place to help you achieve what you want to achieve.”
Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy, who presented the school with a certificate on behalf of the City, explained that during high school he could have never envisioned himself as Mayor. At that time, he didn’t have an interest in politics.
“My parents told me from a very young age, work hard and good things will happen, so good luck to each and every one of you,” said O’Shaughnessy.
Founded in 1978, T.R. Leger was named after Rosaire Leger, the past SDG County Board of Education Director, who was in attendance on Monday. Leger originally advocated for the school at a local and provincial level. The school offers self-paced study with flexible timetabling and course options.
