Former students—like this writer—may call it a sombre moment, but officials at the future Pope Francis Elementary School see this as a continuation of the work done at St. Paul and Sacred Heart Schools.

Officals broke ground on construction at the current St. Paul School Monday morning during a ceremony.

Principal Darren Berthier says he’s very fortunate to have worked within the school board for many years, and is looking forward to this opportunity.

“I’m truly blessed to be appointed the Principal of Pope Francis Elementary School, a school located in the heart of the city that believes success for each and a place for all,” he told students and officials Monday, “Pope Francis will strive to provide all students with the knowledge, skills and values that will empower them to transform their world in light of their faith.”

The project includes a $5.1 million dollar retrofit of the current St. Paul building, and the addition of a childcare centre valued at $1.6 million dollars.

Kindergarten to Grade 4 students at the current schools will study in the Sacred Heart building for the 2017-18 school year. Grade 5-6 students will study at O’Gorman Intermediate beginning this fall.

Construction is anticipated to be complete in time for students to move into the permanent location on Balsam North in September 2018.

Filed under: Local News