Gonzaga School encourages young artists to make collage, kids pass

Gonzaga Middle School opened its doors to young artists in the community on Saturday to create a collage recognizing the history of residential schools and reconciliation, unfortunately the kids didn't show.

The goal was to have the art hanging on the side of the school, in Winnipeg's Point Douglas neighbourhood,foritsopening in September.

Tom Lussier, the school's principal and executive director, said controversy around the school's opening didn't have anything to do with the dismal attendance.

"Maybe we should have done more to advertise it, it's hard to know," he said.

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The private Jesuit school set to open in Winnipeg's inner city this fall has concerned many people in the neighbourhood. Although Gonzaga has won over a few critics, some in the community wondered if it would also encourage students to abandon their cultural roots in favour of Catholicism.

"As we built better understanding with the community, we've had people who were initially opposing us now come on board with us," Lussier said.

The opportunity to create art was at the school's gymnasium between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and included a barbecue. With the lack of turnout, Lussier said they will extend the process.

Gonzaga Middle School will open with its first Grade 6 class this fall, then expand to additional grades in subsequent years.

Lussier said there are 15 students enrolled. Eventually, the school plans to take in 60 students from Grades 6 to 8.