New School Updates
Since Cree bilingual programming began at St. Frances in 2007 (in partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council), the school division has submitted renovation concept plans to the Ministry of Education.
In the fall of 2024, we expect to open the doors of a new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School on 7th Street East (the site of the former Sion Middle School).
Brief timeline for the new school:
Inflationary pressures have caused delays in construction. We are working with SaskBuilds, the Ministry of Education, and our design and construction partners to finalize design, construction costs and timelines.
- March 2019: After years of consultations and lobbying, the Government of Saskatchewan commits to planning funding for a new school.
- March 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announces funding for a new St. Frances Cree bilingual School to be located on the site of the former Sion Middle School on 7th Street East.
- Fall 2021: Demolition of existing building on the Sion site and site preparation (complete)
- Spring 2022: Detailed design
Demolition of former Sion Middle School
Demolition is complete and the site at Grosvenor Ave. and 7th St E is ready
News
October 28, 2022: Affinity Credit Union funds STEAM lab for new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School
June 17, 2022: First Nations Bank of Canada funds Elder/cultural space for new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School
March 21, 2022: A Journey Worth Making (review of program from Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association)
November 18, 2021: Draft plans for new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School revealed
June 25, 2021: Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club announces performing arts funding for new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School
To help document the journey of the new school, we plan a four-part video series. Here's the first.
