École élémentaire publique Terre des Jeunes is hosting its 30th anniversary

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ALEXANDRIA — Students and staff at l’École publique élémentaire Terre des Jeunes organized a celebration worthy of their school’s 30 years on Thursday.

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Parents and dignitaries, including Ottawa Senators adviser and former longtime head coach Jacques Martin, were treated to an hour-long music and dance display – including a light show – at the Alexandria school.

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The festivities were impressively MCd by 5th grader Oakley Wiliams and 4th grader Adrien Vaillancourt, who took turns bringing the dignitaries to the podium, including Martin.

Growing up in St-Pascal-Baylon in Prescott-Russell, Martin said he has a personal affinity for small, French-language schools. Having fewer opportunities in a rural setting did not stop him from reaching high goals, he told the students gathered at his feet.

“To see young people, to see the excitement, the naivety, the possibilities that are in front of you, it’s huge,” Martin said.

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He said his early education, along with his athletic goals, allowed him to eventually earn a USA Hockey scholarship.

“I realized I didn’t have the talent to play in the national league, so one lesson is that a lot of times we have to adjust our dreams, so my dream, my goals at this point was to become a teacher,” he said .

Martin taught at Algonquin College for seven years while coaching at the local junior level, then left to coach in the Ontario Hockey League. That set the stage for one of the NHL’s longest coaching tenures, including his notable stint as head coach with the Senators from 1996-2004 — a role he temporarily returned to this year.

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Martin emphasized his years as an educator.

“But for me, probably the most important thing was to have the opportunity to have an impact on young people, to help them develop values, initiatives, develop a work ethic,” he said.

“When you’re a kid, life is often hard, with ups and downs. But keep going, it doesn’t stop when you grow up. You will continue to face ups and downs, face challenges, learn with challenges, develop relationships, develop an appreciation for respect, understand the importance of teamwork.

“You have a certain talent; I would like to encourage you to work on your strengths and continue to improve in other aspects.”

He urged students to keep an open mind as he transitioned from teaching to coaching professionally.

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“Sometimes you have to take risks in life; you must trust yourself. You have to develop that aspect of the adventure.”

Christian-Charle Bouchard, director of education for the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario, said the 30th anniversary milestone provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate the school’s impact while looks to the future.

“It was a time to reflect on our legacy and our commitment to the future while continuing to provide a quality education to every student who walks through our doors,” Bouchard said.

The board held anniversary celebrations in its district this school year, recognizing the evolution of French-language public school in Ontario. The CEPEO district covers all of eastern Ontario, including the city of Ottawa and northwest to Renfrew, and extends west to include Kingston and Trenton.

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