The two newest Ottawa Catholic School Board Schools now have official names - Trustees approved the names at the February Board Meeting. What was once called the New Findlay Creek Elementary School will now be known as St. Veronica Elementary School - a Patron of laundry workers, photographers and kindness. While Trustees also approved the name for the new Riverside South Elementary school, it will be known as St. Gianna - Patron: mothers, physicians, and unborn children.
Both schools are scheduled to open in September 2024! Be sure to consider them when registering for kindergarten.
Background on Choosing St. Veronica as a Name
The Findlay Creek Community came together to select the name for the new school, and it was a close contest with options including St. John Bosco and St. Ignatius of Loyola. However, after thoughtful consideration and a strong response, St. Veronica emerged as the favourite, capturing 44.6% of the votes.
Principal Lisa Hurd told Trustees she was pleased to see such robust participation. The engagement underscores the sense of community and shared purpose that defines us here in the Findlay Creek area.
While St. Veronica secured the majority of votes,Principal Hurd acknowledged the significant support for St. John Bosco and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each name represents a rich tradition and values that resonate with their community.
Trustees heard that the community is thrilled to be making progress with St. Veronica Elementary School, and we're eagerly looking forward to what's to come. The school's name embodies the values of empathy, compassion, and dedication to service, which will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the school's character.
The History Behind Choosing St. Gianna as a Name
Principal Michelle McGarry shared with the Trustees that a dedicated School Naming Committee, comprised of representatives from both the Board and their parent community, embarked on a meaningful journey to select a name for their new Riverside South Elementary school. Together, they curated a list of four distinctive options, each with special significance.
These options were not just names but reflections of their community's values and aspirations. From St. Gianna, patron saint of mothers, physicians, and unborn children, capturing a significant 44% of the vote, to Blessed Chiara, patron saint of athletes, earning a respectable 30% of support, every name had its own story to tell.
Additionally, there was St. Ignatius, the patron saint of educators, education, the Society of Jesus, and soldiers, representing 18% of the vote, and St. Jacinta, the patron saint of bodily ills, captives, and sickness, with 8% of support. Each option brought a unique perspective and meaning for the School Naming Committee to review. Ms. McGarry expressed her confidence that the deep symbolism and broad support for St. Gianna perfectly embody the spirit and vision of the new Riverside South Elementary School.
