Cornwall, Ontario – The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario is pleased to announce that the Board will be moving forward with a plan to move students from the existing St. Matthew Catholic Secondary School located at 822 Marlborough Street North in Cornwall, to a new location in the former St. Columban’s Catholic School located at 323 Augustus Street. The school will move into the newly renovated facility for the 2019-2020 school year, with renovations commencing in January 2019.

The relocation will bring about some enhanced learning opportunities for students, with greater access to specialized programs such as Construction, Hospitality and Hairstyling. The facility also offers a fully equipped gymnasium and an expanded grade 7 and 8 program. The more central location will promote better partnerships with the Cornwall community, as well as easier access to public transportation for students.

Superintendent of School Effectiveness Natalie Cameron is pleased that the project is moving forward.

“St. Matthew Catholic Secondary School is an outstanding educational facility, which supports students and their individual learning needs. The school was recognized for their success as one of ten provincial schools to be awarded the Premier’s Award for Accepting Schools for 2017-2018, as a result of various programs that support students’ academic and mental health needs. The success of their approach to education is proven through increased graduation rates, increased credit accumulation, and improved student engagement and attendance. We are so excited to be able to give these students an upgraded facility, which will continue to enhance their learning success!”

“This new facility will provide improved opportunities for more engaged learning, richer programs, and more adequate space accommodation. The consultation process was thorough, and the students are benefitting from a well-thought-out plan,” explained CDSBEO Board Chair and Trustee for the City of Cornwall, Todd Lalonde.

Vice-Chair and Trustee for the City of Cornwall, Ron Eamer, fully supported the growth opportunities for the school noting, “The relocation of St. Matthew’s to the former St. Columban’s site is a move that will allow for the growing enrolment to enjoy better facilities and expanded programs. With the upgrades and additions planned for this coming winter and spring, this new site will offer new opportunities for more efficient services. We are extremely pleased administration has developed this plan.”

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario operates 39 elementary and 10 secondary schools across eight counties. The CDSBEO offers excellence in Catholic education through provincial-leading programs to approximately 12,800 students.