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Design of New South Chatham Catholic Elementary School Presented to Board of Trustees

Community Updates

Following four input sessions with the South Chatham Catholic Elementary School Consultation Committee, a proposed design for the new building has been presented to the Board of Trustees.

“Members of the Consultation Committee have done tremendous work in bringing their thoughts and ideas forward to help create this exceptional plan for our new school,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education. “Thanks to all who participated in the committee and to VG Architects, who are leading the design work.  Their expertise and skill in capturing the committee’s vision have been exceptional.”

The virtual input sessions were held in May.  Participants included parents/guardians and students, school administration, representatives from the Board’s Special Education and Catholic Learning Services departments, CLASS, which provides student transportation and Community Use of Schools services, Facility Services and the Board’s senior administration.  Trustees and child care providers also offered input.  The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has participated in a site plan review.

Features of the new school include:

  • A 60,563 square foot two-storey building with a 5,500 square foot gym;
  • Two storey learning commons
  • An outdoor classroom
  • 24 classrooms (including four Kindergarten classrooms);
  •  A 5,426 square-foot child care centre with three rooms (infant, toddler and pre-school) and separate outdoor play spaces
  •  An eight-acre site, with approximately 105 parking spaces.

The Ontario government announced approval for the construction of two new schools in Chatham in June 2017.  St. Angela Merici Catholic School on McNaughton Avenue, W. opened in September 2020.  The new South Chatham school is expected to open in September 2023.  The total funding allocation for the school is $13,357,502, which includes $1,573,010 for the child care centre.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our South Chatham school communities, we want to again express our appreciation to the Government of Ontario for the funding which makes this exciting project possible,” says John Van Heck, Chair of the Board.  “We look forward to moving ahead.”