The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board hosted the official blessing and ribbon cutting of the new addition at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Kincardine on Monday, February 5th, 2024. Media and invited guests joined the school community for a special ceremony and celebration beginning at 2:00 pm.
As part of Ontario’s ongoing efforts to build and improve local schools, the province provided the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board with approval to proceed with the construction of an eight-classroom addition and a four-room Child Care centre operated by the YMCA at St. Anthony’s School. This was supported by an investment of over $13 million.
The 8-classroom and 4-room child care addition provides more student spaces in an innovative, quality learning environment for the growing student population in Kincardine, and delivers safe and affordable child care for families in this community. This project was part of the province’s Capital Program to support students with better learning spaces.
“The investment in the major redevelopment at St. Anthony’s demonstrates our government’s commitment to providing the best learning environments for our youth, especially in growing communities like Kincardine,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “I continue to be impressed by the Bruce-Grey Catholic School Board given their attention to community needs and ability to manage significant projects in a timely and thoughtful manner,” added Thompson.
Kincardine Mayor Kenneth Craig highlights, “Creating a new child care space at St. Anthony’s School forges a seamless educational journey for our young learners. A strong foundation helps children in our community develop the skills they need to meet their full potential and achieve better educational outcomes. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board and the staff members of St. Anthony’s School for all of their efforts.”
Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody adds, “Bruce County, as a service system manager, takes pride in ensuring that the licensed child care and early years system is collaborative, responsive, and accountable in meeting the current and long-term needs of families across the County. We are excited to work with community partners, like the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board and the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, to support families in receiving high quality, affordable, inclusive, and accessible licensed child care options.”
Principal, Samantha Pitre and Vice Principal, Darryl Henhoeffer are honoured to open these new learning spaces and be part of such an exciting new journey. Highlights in particular include the “messy rooms” that connect 2 JK/SK classes together and promote collaboration between classes and also the multi-use, innovative “Collaborative Space” where classes and clubs can meet for learning and presentations. Students at St.Anthony’s have observed that they feel like they are in an “airport” or a “mall” or even a “hotel lobby” with the fresh new and comfortable space. Also to note in particular as part of the interior upgrade to the school, our new double gym allows us to gather as a whole school community as we did not previously have the capacity to hold the whole student body at one time.
Cyndy Jefferson, Director of Child Care, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is thrilled to be a partner with the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board offering quality licensed Child Care and School Age programs for children from 18 months to 12 years of age at St Anthony’s Catholic School. Our new location allows us to expand our offerings, increasing the availability of Child Care and School Age spaces, reaffirming our dedication to fostering the potential of children and youth within our community.
This has been a labour of love for so many involved said Lori DiCastir, Chair of the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board I want to thank the staff and students for their patience as the work was being completed. St. Anthony’s school is a hub of the community and I am very excited we are preparing for the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Highlights of the new addition include:
- 190 elementary student spaces
- 78 child care spaces in 4 child care rooms
- Expanded gymnasium, New Bus Circle, New Front Offices
- Interior upgrades to existing school
St. Anthony’s School is located at 715 Russell Street in Kincardine.
Parents and Community members were invited to tour the new facility at an open house that was held following the ceremony from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.