Take a seat! Fort la Reine School pleased with new parent room

Fort la Reine School has a new area to meet with caregivers, a room they say will increase comfort between school staff and parents.

The Community Foundation of Portage and District's grant program funded the room. Jane McArthur, Outreach Facilitator at Fort la Reine, says it's a beautiful addition to the school.

"I think it's a very important part of a school, and so I'm just really pleased that we were able to follow through and complete it this year."

She says schools must build positive relationships with families in a space where they can feel a little more at home.

"It's a private space where people can sit down, have a cup of coffee, and feel more relaxed. It's a much more friendly space. It really helps to develop a positive relationship."

Principal Matt Harkness says he knows that the offices can be a bit intimidating.

"This is a welcoming place where they can come, and we can talk about their children and any topics we need to."

Harkness notes that the school and division are so thankful for the community foundation and their support for improving the school experience within Portage la Prairie.