Renfrew, Ontario (January 9, 2025) – The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB) is pleased to announce the official opening of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School and extension of St. Joseph’s High School in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Renfrew, Ontario. The school welcomed students on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025.
The Ministry of Education approved the project in 2022, which involved the reconstruction and demolition of St. Thomas the Apostle and the extension of St. Joseph’s High School. Following a two-year construction period, the building has welcomed its first students. While other aspects of the project are complete, the old St. Thomas the Apostle building still awaits demolition.
“I am grateful to parents and families for their patience and cooperation during this process. This week, we opened the doors wide with smiles and enthusiasm beaming from all. We look forward to what the future has in store for St. Thomas the Apostle!” School Principal, Tony Jacyno, shares on the opening of their new building.
The new and improved St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School features modern classrooms, a large gymnasium, a playground, a sports field, ample green space, and collaborative learning spaces. The building is designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for elementary students.
In addition, part of the upper floor of the new building serves as an extension to St. Joseph’s High School, which features additional classrooms for St. Joseph’s students in Renfrew, as well as a brand new special education room. The construction also included an expansion of St. Joseph’s cafeteria and the addition of a new learning commons for students.
“We are pleased to welcome students to the new school building,” Mark Searson, Director of Education shares. “This new school represents a significant investment in the future of Catholic education in Renfrew. We are confident that St. Thomas the Apostle will provide students with the tools and resources they need to grow academically and spiritually. We are also thrilled about the extension to St. Joseph’s High School, which will provide more learning spaces for students to thrive.”
The Renfrew community’s support and patience during the construction process is greatly appreciated. RCCDSB proudly opens the doors of this new school and acknowledges the collective effort of all those who helped achieve this milestone.
Photos from the first day of school at the new building, January 8th, 2025: