(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Aaron Hall)(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Aaron Hall)
Chatham

School's new name has roots in CK's Catholic history

The new Catholic elementary school being built in north Chatham now has a name.

Community members selected "St. Angela Merici Catholic School" as the name of the school following through consultation, and it was then given final approval on Tuesday during a Board of Trustees meeting for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.

“It is a fitting choice which honours the Ursuline Sisters who brought Catholic education to Chatham in 1860 and have done so much through the years to support it," said board Chair John Van Heck.

According to the school board, Sister Angela Merici was an Italian educator who founded an organization which later became the Ursuline Order. Her name was chosen through a 19-day online consultation process, which resulted in 346 participants suggesting 227 names and rating the suggestions of others 17,792 times.

"The multiple suggestions of St. Angela Merici emerged as the clear choice," the board said.

The North Chatham Catholic Elementary School Transition Committee will now meet in the fall to begin discussions on a team mascot and school colours for St. Angela Merici Catholic School.

Construction on the $16 million school began at 801 McNaughton Ave. W. back in October 2018.  The school was originally slated to open for students and staff in September 2019, however, the board has said that it will be impossible to meet its original timeline. An official opening date has yet to be announced.

Read More Local Stories