Another local high school is looking at a new name.
Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville has been in the Quinte region for 64 years, however, it appears the school’s nickname is coming to an end.
Parents and guardians were emailed over the weekend that the name “Crusaders” would be retired.
The email goes on to say the name no longer reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the school or Canadian society.
It adds that the name relates to the allusion of conquest and is “no longer culturally responsive or aligned with our values as a system.”
The message adds that the renaming process will give an opportunity to reaffirm the schoo’ls commitment to the school board’s mission, vision, and values statements.
In April 2023, Bayside Secondary looked at renaming their school team to something other than the Red Devils, however, board officials backed off due to public pressure to continue the nickname.
The petition for Bayside claimed a rebranding would cost $78,000 or more.
email to parents below
Hello Nicholson community,
Nicholson Catholic College was established in 1960. Our school has a long history of fostering academic excellence and upholding the values of our Catholic faith. Additionally, we have embraced the spirit of diversity and inclusion, and our community has always been enriched as a result.
We have come to realize that the name ‘Crusaders’, chosen in a different era, no longer reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of our school or the broader Canadian society we live in. That is to say, its allusion to an ethos of conquest is no longer culturally responsive or aligned with our values as a system.
Consistent with the Board’s mission, vision, and values statements, we believe that a school name should inspire pride, unity, and respect among all members of our community, regardless of their background or beliefs. It should embrace our shared values and resonate with the principles of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity that are central to our Catholic teachings.
We are, therefore, entering into a renaming process that will give us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to these principles and create a welcoming environment for all.
We understand that change like this will be met with mixed emotions and varying perspectives. Indeed, as we move to something new, we will be letting go of elements of our tradition and of our identity. Therefore, we are committed to engaging in a transparent process to select a new name that respects the voices and opinions of our entire community.
Input and involvement in this process is highly valued and vital to our success. We encourage our students, families, and community members to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversations that promote respect and foster understanding and unity.
We firmly believe that the school’s renaming initiative is an opportunity for growth and positive change. By venturing into this process, we will not only better reflect the values of our school community but also set an example for future generations to prioritize inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures.
