WINDSOR ESSEX CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Ceremony launches new build at St. Joseph's

The construction of a new eight-classroom addition at St. Joseph's Catholic High School means "more room to learn and more chances to connect," according to a Grade 9 student there.

"This addition is more than just extra classrooms," DJ Ireneo told a small group of dignitaries who gathered at the school this morning for a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the new construction project. "It's a sign that our school is growing, showing that people believe in what's happening here today as well as in the future. At St. Joseph's, we focus on our learning, our faith development and service to others. That's something we're all really proud of."

Along with Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie, WECDSB representatives were joined by the architectural and construction firms chosen to build the addition at the school's north end.

"It's exciting to see this important project move forward to support the growing student population at St. Joseph's Catholic High School," Dowie said. "The Province of Ontario is proud to invest in learning spaces that help students succeed and communities thrive."

The WECDSB's Board of Trustees recently approved a $2.9M bid from Alliance General Contracting of Windsor Inc. to construct the addition. Sfera Architectural Associates Inc. is the firm that designed the project. The anticipated completion date is in December of 2026.

"This is a very exciting time for the staff and students at St. Joseph's," said WECDSB Director of Education Emelda Byrne. "This part of our community is growing rapidly, and as a result, so is the school. So we're very grateful to the Ministry of Education for approving this project and providing us with the funding to get shovels in the ground and to have the project moving forward."

"Enrollment at St. Joseph's has already surpassed the capacity of the school, so seeing this project moving ahead will come as welcome news to the community," added WECDSB Chair Lisa Soulliere. "I'm certain it will be built to the excellent standards that our staff, students and their families have come to expect, and I'm looking forward to being here when it officially opens next year."

Today's ceremony marked not only the start of construction, but the continuation of a shared vision, according to John Bortolotti, the architect who designed the addition.

"Working closely with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board representatives, we've developed bright, flexible, and welcoming spaces designed to adapt to changing needs and to support students and educators for years to come," he said.

This addition will give students the space and resources they need to reach their full potential, Minister of Education Paul Calandra said in a news release.

"Student achievement is paramount, and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow starts with investing in modern schools that support learning and success," he said. "We will continue to put students first, support our teachers, and make sure every student has the tools they need to succeed."

Grade 12 student Hanna Etches said younger students at the school are very excited about the project and the new classrooms.

"They'll be the places where they will learn new things, make memories with friends, and continue to build on the amazing spirit we have at our school," she said. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit jealous that I won't get to walk through the halls of this expansion but I know that the school that I call home will simply be even better than the one we already love."