For Immediate Release

Saint-John's, January 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Temporary Closure of Rocher-du-Nord Pre-K Program Due to Heating Issues
The Centre de la petite enfance et familles (CPEF) Les P'tits Cerfs-Volants announces the temporary
closure of the Rocher-du-Nord Pre-K program, located on Topsail Road in St. John's, within the building
of the school of the same name, effective Friday, January 9, 2026.
This preventive measure follows repeated failures of the heating system, which have rendered the
premises inadequate and unsafe for children and staff, particularly during the winter season.
CPEF regrets this situation and notes that it has repeatedly raised concerns with the appropriate
authorities regarding ongoing heating issues, as well as problems related to lighting and snow removal
at building access points, without any lasting solution being implemented.
Aware of the impact on families, CPEF apologizes for the inconvenience caused but reiterates that the
safety of children and staff remains its top priority.
“We have a responsibility to act proactively to ensure appropriate conditions and to provide a highquality service. In the absence of concrete solutions, we made the decision to temporarily suspend the
program,” explains Karina Lamontagne, Executive Director of CPEF Les P'tits Cerfs-Volants.
CPEF hopes that the necessary repairs will be completed promptly so that the Pre-K program can
reopen in a fully safe environment for both children and staff.
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The Centre de la Petite Enfance et Famille Les P'tits Cerfs-Volants (CPEF) is the only licensed
French-language childcare service in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and provides
early childhood services to Francophone parents and families across the province. The creation
of CPEF in 2005 was the result of the efforts of the Francophone community of Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Information :
• Karina Lamontagne, directrice générale
Centre petite enfance et famille Les P'tits Cerfs-Volants
709-700-0940 Karina.Lamontagne@cpef.ca