Students of the RCCDSB’s Cathedral School will attend Holy Name School after a fire in the roof top air exchange unit of Cathedral on Wednesday, October 19, caused smoke and soot damage throughout the building.
In considering the available options to get students back to class as quickly as possible while Cathedral is being refurbished over the next several weeks, the Board decided on Holy Name.
“Thankfully the fire happened at night when the school was empty, no one was injured, and the situation is solvable—relocating the Cathedral students to Holy Name makes sense,” stated Michele Arbour, RCCDSB Director of Education, noting, “Both schools are elementary, they are located in the same jurisdiction just minutes apart and both are on a late-start schedule.”
All Cathedral students will be bussed to Holy Name on First Avenue beginning on Monday, October 24. The classes from Cathedral will stay intact and in their own space at Holy Name. Cathedral staff are appreciative of the kindness extended to their school community as they deal with this unfortunate situation. “We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the staff and students at Holy Name,” said Principal Karen Kenny, Cathedral Catholic School.
There will be no changes to the pick up or drop off times for students being bussed. Students, who were walking to Cathedral, will now be bussed to Holy Name. These students will be contacted directly with bussing information.
“We are happy to accommodate the students and staff from Cathedral. As a team we will work to create a comfortable learning environment for each class,” said Principal Amy Sicoli, Holy Name Catholic School.
The day care program at Cathedral is also affected and ‘shared space’ arrangements have been made at Holy Name as well, beginning on October 24.
Health and safety and restoration professionals have estimated that students will move back to occupy the first floor of Cathedral within a couple of weeks.
“The Board would like to thank administration and staff for working together through this challenging event to find a creative solution and maintain both the safety and education of Cathedral students. We also thank parents and guardians for their understanding and cooperation. Everyone involved has exemplified what it means to be a faith-filled Christian community,” said Chair Bob Michaud.
For further information, please contact:
Michele Arbour, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
