The parents of students who attend Villa Sainte-Marcelline, located in Westmount, breathed a sigh of relief last Wednesday: after months of uncertainty, an agreement has been reached for the purchase of this French-language private school.
Thanks to the agreement, the school will be able to buy the land and buildings on which it operates from the current owner, the congregation of the Sisters of Sainte-Marcelline. “It’s a huge relief,” says Catherine Lafontaine, whose two daughters attend the school which welcomes nearly 500 students from kindergarten to 5e year.
As a former student, Ms.me Lafontaine does not hide her attachment to the school founded in 1959. “She gave me a lot and ensured that I forged friendships that are still very important and present today. So I’m really super happy to be able to preserve this heritage, ”she says, playfully.
Last October, the religious congregation caused consternation by announcing that it did not intend to renew the school’s lease due to the aging condition of the building. She then changed her mind by extending the lease until the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
However, before the agreement was concluded, the future of the premises remained uncertain due to the refusal last April by the congregation of the financial rescue offer drawn up by a committee of parents from Villa Sainte-Marcelline.
Catherine Lafontaine is delighted that an agreement has finally been reached to allow parents and students to experience a more pleasant next school year. “We will not experience insecurity as we experienced there. »
In a press release, Sister Marielle Dion said she was delighted, on behalf of the congregation, with the “denouement which will serve the best interest of students, teachers and parents”.
Closing of the transaction is expected by August 31. For the purchase of school land and buildings, most of the financing will come from a long-term loan from a financial institution.
Another part will be taken from the sums promised by certain donors during the fundraising in March and April. This had been organized by the Villa’s rescue committee, which was made up of parents of students.
New governance
Once the transaction is completed, the sisters of the congregation will withdraw from the governance of the school. “A new board of directors and a new management structure will be put in place,” the statement read.
“Hallelujah”, launches Catherine Lafontaine, to wink at the nuns. “I think it will really mark a new era, it’s a change that is really welcome,” she said.
The general manager of Villa Sainte-Marcelline, Ninon St-Pierre, will also step down when the transaction is closed.
More details will follow
With Olivier Du Ruisseau