L'École secondaire catholique La Citadelle is a French-Language Catholic high school located in Cornwall, Ontario. It is managed by the Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l'Est ontarien.
The birth of La Citadelle Catholic High School in Cornwall, Ontario, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the local French-speaking community. It emerged from a period marked by struggle, adversity, and unwavering advocacy for French-language education within the Ontario public school system. This victory was made possible by the tireless efforts of numerous Francophone leaders who, through divine providence or sheer will, rose to the occasion at crucial moments.
To honor the legacy of those who came before, it is essential to trace the school's origins. In 1950, Saint-Laurent High School, the precursor to La Citadelle, was established to cater to the predominantly French-speaking population of Cornwall Township. This initial step towards French-language education was facilitated by Laurier Carrière, an inspector for bilingual schools at the time.
In 1965, a modest concession was made with the introduction of geography and history courses taught in French. However, it wasn't until 1968, a year before the regionalization of school boards, that a group of dedicated individuals, including Jeannine Séguin, Clément Charette, Robert Brault, Bernard Bertrand, Rhéal Martel, Jules Renaud, and Fathers Bernard Guindon and C.E. Claude, appeared before the Cornwall Board of Education. They boldly proposed that Saint-Laurent High School be designated as a French school and presented a detailed plan to achieve this goal. While the Board accepted the principle of a French-language school, they delayed further action, opting to wait for the regionalization of the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Board.
The fight for an independent French secondary school in Cornwall intensified with the passage of Bill 141 and the establishment of French-language advisory committees. Despite facing resistance from the Board of Education, figures like Marcel Massé, Paul Rouleau, Claude Corbeil, and Bernard Bertrand, along with school trustees Albert Morin, Gérard Gauthier, Jean-Guy Gauthier, Jean Guindon, and Gérald Desjardins, tirelessly advocated for the cause.
In a surprising turn of events, overcrowding at Saint-Laurent school in September 1970, coupled with the absence of planned construction within the city, led the Board to accept the creation of two schools within the same building. This temporary relay system, based on the language of instruction, was intended to last for two years until a new high school could be built in the city's east end. In September 1972, the French section gained a separate administration with the appointment of Jeannine Séguin as principal and Jules Renaud as assistant principal.
However, by the spring of 1973, tensions rose due to the proposed extension of the relay system, uncertainty regarding which student group would be relocated, and lobbying by a Saint-Lawrence High School committee to maintain their morning relay schedule. The mounting pressure prompted the student government of the French relay to take action. They formed a "committee of eight," rallied local organizations, and initiated a strike on March 14, 1973. This strike, which continued until the creation of Professor Thomas Symons' committee of inquiry on April 4, ultimately led to the Davis government's intervention. The Symons report, released on April 20, vindicated the local community's demands, and their slogan "We want it, we will have it" became a triumphant reality.
In the aftermath, the school board targeted teachers in an act of retribution. Jacques Boyer and Paul Bezozzi were dismissed, and three other teachers faced disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in the student strike. This injustice sparked the formation of a united Franco-Ontarian front, encompassing AEFO, ACFO, AFCSO, API, and the Youth Department, to fight against this discrimination. Gérard Gauthier resigned from the Council in protest.
On June 12, 1973, the school was officially named "La Citadelle," inspired by the writings of Saint-Exupéry, symbolizing the institution's significant role within the region. The school's dedication ceremony on May 30, 1975, was attended by prominent figures like Minister of Education Thomas Wells, Conseil Supérieur de langue française President Gérard Raymond, and Superintendent Jean-Paul Scott, a staunch advocate for Francophone rights. The celebrations, including a cultural event known as "La Nuit de La Citadelle," drew over a thousand participants.
Under the leadership of Jeannine Séguin, with the support of assistant director Jules Renaud and a dedicated, highly qualified staff, La Citadelle has since thrived, serving over a thousand students annually. The school boasts a vibrant array of activities, from sports teams in soccer, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and wrestling to artistic endeavors such as two theater troupes, a filmmaking team, a concert group, a dance orchestra, a newspaper (l'Écho), and an annual magazine (Le Rétro). The student government organizes cultural days, winter carnivals, and monthly dances, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for the entire French community.
La Citadelle stands as a shining example of a French-language school, celebrated for its exceptional atmosphere and strong relationships among administrators, teachers, and students. This remarkable institution, with its emphasis on participation and engagement in cultural, sporting, and social activities, continues to inspire and empower its students, contributing to the rich tapestry of Franco-Ontarian education.
École Secondaire La Citadelle, CSDCEO