Larger school districts should pose few problems

The superintendent of New Brunswick’s largest anglophone school district says parents and students should not find a significant difference under the new system of larger districts when classes start this week.

The first day of school is traditionally the first day after Labour Day, but that should be one of the only noticeable changes this year.

Students in the four new anglophone districts will return to class on Wednesday as teachers will be participating in a professional development day, which is normally planned for October.

Meanwhile, school is starting on Tuesday for students in the three new francophone districts.

Pierre Plourde, the principal of George Street Middle School in Fredericton, has been busy reminding parents that school starts on Wednesday.

"At least a week and a half ago I did send out an email and a voicemail and I just sent another," Plourde said.

David McTimoney, the superintendent for the new Anglophone West School District, which covers schools from Fredericton, Woodstock and Edmundston, said the change in the first day of school should be the only change students and parents will see this year.

The province's school districts were cut to seven from 14 and the changes became effective on July 1.

But McTimoney said any issues were resolved during the summer.

The district added three local education centres to help deal with any concerns parents may have during the year.

"The concept of the education centre is new with the amalgamation. Prior to amalgamation, there were more districts around our province and the size was a little bit more suitable and conducive to meeting the needs of those who needed that level of service," he said.

The education centres in McTimoney’s district are located in Fredericton, Oromocto and Woodstock. He said he wants parents to turn to their schools first if they have concerns.

The other three anglophone sector districts include:

• the north district: Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi and Rexton regions
• the south district: Sussex, Saint John and St. Stephen regions
•  the east district: Dieppe and Moncton regions

The new francophone sector districts include:

• the south district: Miramichi, Rogersville, Saint-Louis-de-Kent, Dieppe, Moncton, Fredericton, Oromocto, Woodstock, Saint John and St. Stephen regions
• the northeast district: Campbellton, Bathurst and Acadian Peninsula regions
• the northwest district: Grand Falls, Edmundston, Saint-Quentin and Kedgwick regions