Recently, the grade 5 and 6 students at Ecole Coloniale Estates School in Beaumont took part in a group visioning exercise related to the Board of Trustees’ school renaming process to uncover what they love about their school.

The exercise, led by Superintendent Michael Borgfjord and Division Principal Chris Stiles, asked students to write down what came to mind when they thought about their school, the neighbourhood they live in, and Beaumont as a whole.

The student feedback highlighted a deep sense of pride in Beaumont’s unique identity, with its historical roots, natural environment, sports culture, and educational strength being key themes. The city’s Francophone and multicultural makeup, coupled with its small-town charm and strong community bonds, was also identified as important elements to be celebrated.

The students also did a deep dive into Beaumont’s rich history and culture to better connect with their community. They created beautiful displays and dioramas that showcased their learning and emphasized the values that all Beaumont residents hold dear: inclusion, history, and community spirit.

Check out this great video of the student displays:

Based on these insights and connections, the community will have the opportunity to provide suggestions for a new school name to the School Renaming Committee. The Committee, which reports to the Board of Trustees, is composed of school trustees, school staff, students, school council, and parent representatives who are committed to a transparent process that values the voices of our school community.

In the coming weeks, the Committee will work to gather and review name suggestions from the community. It will ensure the process is inclusive and respects all stakeholder groups. Finally, they will develop a shortlist of submitted names for the Board’s review and decision.

This process is not just about choosing a new school name—it is about engaging in meaningful conversations and educational opportunities that will bring us closer as a community. Stay tuned for more information.