WELLINGTON
Funds Awarded for Construction of a New Elementary School and Child Care Centre in Drayton

The Wellington Catholic District School Board has been awarded funds to construct a brand new elementary school and a child care centre in Drayton. The application for the child care centre was jointly submitted with the County of Wellington.

"We are determined to build schools and expansions faster, part of our commitment to modernize schools in fast growing communities," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "We are proud to deliver a new, state-of-the-art elementary school and child care centre for Drayton families, along with increasing funding, staffing and a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing and math skills to help ensure students graduate with confidence that they can succeed in good-paying careers."

Left to Right- MPP Matthew Rae, Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson, Tracey McLennan - Associate Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer (Wellington Catholic District School Board), Luisa Artuso - Social Services Administrator (County of Wellington), Mandy Koroniak - Director of Children's Early Division (County of Wellington), Hon. Stephen Lecce (Minister of Education), Warden Andy Lennox (County of Wellington)

 

Funded by an investment from the Government of Ontario through the 2023-24 Capital Priorities Program, the new kindergarten to Grade 8 school will accommodate 222 students. 64 children under the age of four will be accommodated at the new child care centre.

"We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for bringing faith-based education and needed child care spaces to families in Drayton and our surrounding communities," shared Tracy McLennan, Wellington Catholic DSB Associate Director. "This process has been many years in the making and is a result of a productive collaboration and the hard work of Wellington Catholic DSB staff, our partners at the County of Wellington, leaders in the Mapleton community and of course the many families who have been advocating for education opportunities within this region."

"On behalf of the County of Wellington, I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for investing in a new elementary school and licensed child care and learning centre in Mapleton, and the Wellington Catholic District School Board for partnering with us on this important project," continued Warden Andy Lennox. "By forming strong partnerships, we strengthen our community and invest in the future of our children. This future child care and learning centre will help support the parents and caregivers of 64 children so they are able participate in the labour force or pursue educational activities."

Wellington Catholic DSB partnered with the County of Wellington and the Township of Mapleton to ensure that the project would both meet the needs of the community to address the need for school and child care spaces in the community.

"The Mapleton community is very excited about today's announcement," commented Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson. "This has been a long time coming. In a couple of years, this field will be a place where children will come with their families in the most critical years of their lives, to be welcomed and supported as they grow."

Left to Right - Michael Dehn (Erin Mayor), Hon. Stephen Lecce (Minister of Education), Gregg Davidson (Mapleton Mayor), Amanda Reid (Mapleton Councillor), Marlene Ottens (Mapleton Councillor), MPP Mathew Rae, Diane Ballantyne (County Councillor Ward 6), Earl Campbell (County Councillor Ward 2), Warden Andy Lennox, Andrew Finoro (Wellington Catholic District School Board Trustee), David Turton (Minto Mayor), Shawn Watters (Centre Wellington Mayor)

 

Offering a new Catholic school and child care centre in Drayton is crucial in supporting the well-being and positive development of students and children.

"Ontario is listening to hard-working Drayton families and delivering ample safe and quality education close to home," shared Marino Gazzola, Wellington Catholic DSB Chair. "We look forward to welcoming you to our Wellington Catholic family, providing safe and inclusive environments to work and learn in!"