The Board of Trustees has endorsed St. Teresa of Calcutta as the name of St. Clair Catholic’s newest elementary school, located on Tweedsmuir Avenue, W. in south Chatham.

“I want to thank the school communities, especially the students, for their diligent research and thoughtful considerations, in arriving at the name St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School,” says John Van Heck, Chair of the Board.  “What a fitting name for a Catholic school.  During her lifetime, St. Teresa lived her faith through her mission work to feed and clothe the poor.  She is a symbol of compassion for the world.”

Students in the Georges P. Vanier and St. Ursula communities, which includes the former St. Joseph Chatham, did research to determine a range of names, which were then put forward for consideration.  The South Chatham Catholic Elementary School Transition Committee used the Thoughtexchange online consultation tool over a two-week period in June 2023.  A link to the Thoughtexchange portal was emailed to all families in south Chatham and published in parish bulletins.

The consultation resulted in 263 participants sharing 221 thoughts about the names and rating the suggestions of others 12,340 times.  The names St. Teresa of Calcutta and Mother Teresa emerged in a tie for the top spot, as the clear choice for the names most valued by the community.  With input from the Diocese, St. Teresa of Calcutta was selected as the name which most appropriately respects and honours both the individual and her canonization as a Saint in 2016.

“I want to thank our communities and Bishop Fabbro for their thoughtful approach in helping to name our new school,” says Scott Johnson, Director of Education.  “This is an important step in the development of a new culture and identity for a Catholic school community; and the legacy of St. Teresa will provide fitting inspiration for our students and staff, as they continue their work to be the Hands and Feet of Christ in south Chatham.”

The construction of St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School is expected to be completed by Spring 2024.  Furniture, equipment and technology will be moved in and set up during the summer and the school will be open to students and staff in September 2024.