CORNWALL, Ontario – The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) has confirmed that they are moving St. Matthew’s Catholic Secondary School to a new location in 2019.
The CDSBEO will be moving St. Matt’s to the old St. Columban’s Catholic School site on Augustus St. for the 2019-2020 school year. Renovations will begin on St. Columban’s this January.
The school board says that the new site will offer new opportunities for programs like Hairstyling, Construction and Hospitality. The school board also says that the more central location will help the school better connect with the Cornwall community.
St. Columbans served as a kindergarten to Grade 8 elementary school from 1960 until June 2018 when it was closed by the school board.
Those students were amalgamated with students from Sacred Heart and St. Anne’s and moved into a new facility, the recently renovated former General Vanier Secondary School, now known as the new Sacred Heart.
“St. Matthew Catholic Secondary School is an outstanding educational facility, which supports students and their individual learning needs,” said Superintendent of School Effectiveness Natalie Cameron. “The school was recognized for their success as one of ten provincial schools to be awarded the Premier’s Award for Accepting Schools for 2017-2018, as a result of various programs that support students’ academic and mental health needs. The success of their approach to education is proven through increased graduation rates, increased credit accumulation and improved student engagement and attendance. We are so excited to be able to give these students an upgraded facility, which will continue to enhance their learning success!”
The CDSBEO did not disclose what would happen to the current St. Matt’s building.
“This new facility will provide improved opportunities for more engaged learning, richer programs, and more adequate space accommodation. The consultation process was thorough, and the students are benefitting from a well thought-out plan,” explained CDSBEO Board Chair and Trustee for the City of Cornwall, Todd Lalonde.
