It has been six years in the making, but now the ribbon has finally been cut.
On Tuesday morning in east end Belleville, dignitaries officially opened St Joseph Catholic Elementary.
Trustees, Priests, staff, students, and ALCDSB administration were on hand for the celebration.
Board Chair Brian Evoy hosted the celebration, with Director of Education David DeSantis speaking first.
Audio Player“This is a sacred moment, a time to acknowledge God’s grace, and to dedicate this space to the formation of hearts, minds, and souls.”
The new addition/renovation welcomes space for 481 students, 20 learning studios, six learning commons, gathering stairs (known as the ‘heart’), various breakout spaces, two EarlyOn rooms, and licensed child care.
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Political dignitaries, students and staff at St Joseph Catholic School, and staff and board members for ALCDSB at the ground breaking for upgrades/renovations/expansion at the east end Belleville school – Spring 2022 (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis, who lives in east end Belleville, says he walks by the Bridge Street East school most every day.
Audio Player“Buildings like this build our community. This bright school is going to be great. I went to a secondary school that had no windows. You look at this with all the bright light shining on all the students it’s going to be a great place to live.”
Colbourne and Kimbell Architects Todd Colbourne is the principal architect on the school.
Audio Player“We’ve been working on this project for about six and a half years. It’s great to see it come to fruition. Light was certainly one of our primary drivers during the design process.”
The opening ceremonies audio and photos can be heard below.
Audio Player
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
