NEWS RELEASE
HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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Trustees of the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) have unanimously approved the plan that will result in the Board’s newest elementary school.
St. Basil Catholic Elementary School is scheduled to open in September 2017 at the former St. Basil Secondary School site on St. George’s Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie.
According to HSCDSB Manager of Plant Services, Sam Colizza, work at the site is expected to commence in a few months.
“We hope to receive final approval from the Ministry of Education to go ahead with the project by the middle of next month which would allow for construction at the new St. Basil Catholic Elementary School to begin in early June,” said Colizza.
The project received funding from the Ministry of Education last fall and modifications to the former secondary school will include relocation of the administration offices, designated Full-Day Kindergarten spaces with secure outdoor play areas, a new bus drop-off area and modifications and improvements to mechanical and heating systems within the school.
The new school will include dedicated science, music and arts rooms to enhance the learning experience.
Other amenities include a chapel, cultural room, double gymnasium and cafeteria.
The site will host a child care centre to serve families and children.
Once open, the new elementary school will be comprised of the current communities at St. Ann, St. Bernadette, St. Pius X and St. Theresa Catholic Schools.
“I am very impressed with the efforts of everyone involved in this project. This is another major step forward for our Board. The collaboration among the four school communities, our plant department and senior administration has been tremendous,” said HSCDSB Director of Education, John Stadnyk.
“It is exciting to see the latest plans for the new St. Basil Catholic Elementary School. All four school communities have been working hard to prepare for the transition to one school. This is the latest step in the process and we will continue the dialogue with all stakeholders,” said HSCDSB Superintendent of Education, Maria Esposito.
Meetings have been scheduled for next week at each of the four schools involved in the consolidation to provide families and other stakeholders an update on the progress of the project. Meeting information is listed below.
Information Sessions - New St. Basil Catholic Elementary School
Monday, January 18
- St. Ann Catholic School – 139 White Oak Drive W. – 6 p.m.
- St. Theresa Catholic School – 100 Estelle Street – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20
- St. Pius X Catholic School – 48 Oryme Avenue – 6 p.m.
- St. Bernadette Catholic School – 462 McNabb Street – 7:30 p.m.
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