Changes to French Immersion programs in the Hazelton area are coming for the 2026/27 school year according to School District 82 (CMSD).
It would see the Kindergarten to Grade 7 program at Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School move to New Hazelton Elementary.
Secondary French Immersion programing at Hazelton Secondary School would move to online instruction and gradually be phased out as currently enrolled students graduate.
According to the school district, the decision was made after an 18-month program review around enrolment trends, program sustainability, and feedback from families and community members.
“The Board’s priority is to ensure students have access to strong educational programs that are sustainable and provide meaningful opportunities,” said Board Chair Margaret Warcup.
The school district said the move to New Hazelton would support stronger and more sustainable student cohorts while continuing to provide access to French Immersion in the Hazelton Area.
No changes would be made to Majagaleehl Gali Aks’s existing Gitxsan Immersion program.
According to the Canadian Parents for French Hazelton Chapter, parents of French Immersion children were furious and called the decision ‘ill-informed’.
“The CMSD has wasted parents’ time and used a lot of taxpayer’s money with this so-called consultation over 18 months, they didn’t listen to our feedback and have given us outcomes that diminish our students’ education,” said President Bryana Jack.
Some of the main concerns brought up by the chapter include sudden overcrowding at New Hazelton Elementary, fewer doctors and nurses, and a wave of people leaving the area.
The group added letters of appeal have been written since March 30 by the chapter, Majagaleehl Gali Aks Parent Advisory Council (PAC), New Hazelton PAC, and Houston Secondary PAC.
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