The former Institution Sainte-Foy was created by the Marianist sisters in 1820. Since the anniversary was impossible last year, it will however be celebrated at the end of June.
This June 2021, the Institution Adèle-de-Trenquelléon (ex-Institution Sainte-Foy) will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its creation. The establishment was actually founded in 1820, but the various events imagined for 2020 had been canceled due to the health crisis, and they were therefore postponed to June 2021 – in a reduced format, however. Director Anthony Dartois presents the main features.
Managing an educational establishment with two centuries of history, is that a special emotion?
Anthony Dartois. ” Yes. We are proud of this story, which is that of Agen, but also that of the Marianist congregation to which we are very attached. We are going to celebrate the creation of the Institution Sainte-Foy renamed Adèle-de-Trenquelléon in 2019, and it is also a tribute to this emblematic personality. It was not an easy task to give a new name to such a well-known school. It was an idea of the governing board, it was not imposed on us by the congregation. It was not a question of obscuring Saint Foy, but rather of highlighting the foundress of the congregation. The students speak of “Adèle” when they mention their school or college. The establishment is now personified by this first name. “
Can you recall who makes up the school community?
“The Institution Adèle-de-Trenquelléon brings together more than 900 students, educated from kindergarten to 3rd grade, either at school or college. They are supervised by 75 staff, teachers or non-teachers. “
The history of your establishment also follows that of the open school?
“Yes, we are a private, free educational institution, in contract with the State. We are also a Catholic establishment, we do not forget that. But above all, we are a structure for teaching and education. We are proud of it, just as we are proud of our agreement with the State. The school and college have an excellent reputation, which is the result of our educational and pedagogical requirements. Benevolence and high standards are two words that perfectly sum up our state of mind, which is part of the pure Marianist tradition. Our notoriety, which appeals to parents, is also the fruit of our history. “
How will these two centuries be celebrated?
“We have reviewed our claims because of the 2020 health crisis, then the protocol currently in force. We formalized our device late, being wary of possible cancellations. We had planned a show, with danced pictures, a big party, etc., but we had to resolve to abandon the large classical public gatherings. However, an outdoor mass will be celebrated on June 19, at 10:30 a.m., by Bishop Herbreteau. We also have an exhibition of photographs retracing, within the college, its history. It is also possible to acquire a booklet entitled “The Institution Adèle-de-Trenquelléon in the memory of the sisters”, which recalls the living bond that we have with the Marianist sisters on a daily basis. We also offer a T-shirt in the colors of the 200 years. Students, supervisors, parents of students, former students will participate in this beautiful anniversary. “
Is the health crisis, which makes your organization more complex, also part of your history?
“Yes, we have adapted, as we have always done, faced with major events, such as the Garonne floods, the two wars during which we treated the sick, the fire in the boarding school, among others. . “
What are the projects to come after this anniversary?
“This year we opened a 5th grade class, and the year 2021-2022 will be marked by the opening of a new 4th grade class. The second semester will also be marked by the rewriting of our educational project. This summer, we will take advantage of the school holidays to renovate our scientific laboratories and our kindergarten classes and two middle school classes. The Institution will also experience a change in management, since I am joining an establishment in Lille, and I will be replaced by Séverine Garcia, who comes from Alençon. I am leaving Agen after four happy years. I have lived an exciting mission and I will not forget the city. I will come back to it with great pleasure since I now have strong ties to it. “
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