As a new south-side elementary school in Chatham continues to take shape, trustees with the St Clair Catholic District School Board have decided on a name.
With input from students and families, the board has looked to Mother Teresa as their inspiration, naming the Tweedsmuir Avenue facility St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School.
The consultation resulted in 263 participants sharing 221 thoughts about the names and rating the suggestions of others 12,340 times. The names St. Teresa of Calcutta and Mother Teresa emerged in a tie for the top spot, as the clear choice for the names most valued by the community. With input from the Diocese, St. Teresa of Calcutta was selected as the name which most appropriately respects and honours both the individual and her canonization as a Saint in 2016.
“I want to thank our communities and Bishop Fabbro for their thoughtful approach in helping to name our new school,” said Director of Education Scott Johnson in a news release. “This is an important step in the development of a new culture and identity for a Catholic school community; and the legacy of St. Teresa will provide fitting inspiration for our students and staff, as they continue their work to be the Hands and Feet of Christ in south Chatham.”
The school will house students from Georges P. Vanier and St Ursula. Construction is expected to be complete next spring, furniture and other equipment will be moved in over the summer, and the school will open to staff and students in September, 2024.