On Monday, June 28, the Calgary Catholic School District's (CCSD) Board of Trustees passed a motion to replace the name of the current Bishop Grandin High School. In passing this motion, the district will begin a process to replace Bishop Grandin High School's name. This decision was made following in-depth consultations with community stakeholders including Indigenous peoples (elders), Catholic bishops, parents, guardians, students and staff.
"Our Board is very thankful for everyone that participated in our school renaming consultation process. Your input not only helped our Board make an informed decision but has also sparked important conversations and has raised awareness on this very important topic," says Board Chair Mary Martin.
Indigenous education is a Board priority. Specifically, the Board prioritizes the imperative to, Nurture successful relationships with Indigenous communities.' As such, a replacement name will be brought to the Board after a naming process is completed with various community representatives including those from the Indigenous community. The Calgary Catholic School District is honouring the shared commitment to educating our community about Indigenous history and culture, as well as the ongoing efforts to work together towards truth and reconciliation.
"The Calgary Catholic School District is deeply sorry for the pain and trauma that this school name has brought to the community. Engaging stakeholders from the former Bishop Grandin School, to come up with a replacement name, will be our top priority. It is our hope that a replacement name will go to the Board of Trustees for their approval in late September or early October. Consultation takes time and we want to come up with a replacement name to help this community heal," says Chief Superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas.
In the near future, the current school name will be removed from a number of locations inside and outside of the building. In the interim, the school will be referred to as the Haysboro Catholic High School. The replacement name will be announced in the fall.
