The staff at Renfrew’s Catholic schools are preparing their students for what classes in a combined space will look like.
Just over two years after cutting the ribbon on construction for a new St. Thomas Apostle School and an addition to St. Joseph’s High School, the two schools will be under one roof when classes are back in session this September.
In an update sent to parents, St. Joe’s staff say they are “conscious of the larger age differences between students at the schools,” adding that they want to ensure that all students feel safe at school.
Due to some tight deadlines surrounding the construction, SJHS plans to not occupy their designated classrooms in the upstairs portion of the new wing, with the exception of the special education room, until the second semester.
Some of the other highlights in the message to parents include:
- STA and SJHS will have separate outdoor spaces throughout the school day.
- STA and SJHS students will have clearly defined and separate entrances and exits.
- For the start of September 2024, we anticipate STA will be having classes on the section that will eventually be used by SJHS.
- For the start of September, SJHS is planning to only have SJHS students in the Special Education Room on the 2nd floor. But this is dependent on enrollment and scheduling as we move towards the 2024–2025 school year.
- By the second semester (February 2025), SJHS anticipates using the other SJHS classes.
- SJHS students will access these specified 2nd floor classes through the SJHS hallway only.
While students get adjusted, leaders from both schools will be working together to create routines and protocols that will keep the high school and elementary students separate in common spaces like stairs, doors, and bathrooms.
A diagram of the new wing at St. Joseph’s High School/St. Thomas Apostle School
(written by Kasey Egan)