FERGUS – St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School reached two milestones on Oct. 7: it celebrated its 30th anniversary and cut the ribbon on a new addition.
Construction of the 11,104 square-foot addition began in spring of 2024 and was functional by December 2024. It is now fully occupied.
It boasts two kindergarten classrooms, six primary classrooms and an experiential learning room where students can learn woodworking and technical skills. Recently completed is an outdoor pavilion where student learning and recreation can take place.
The addition cost $5,205,113.
Principal Todd Goodwin said with Fergus growing, the school needed to grow too.
“It’s really exciting,” he said. “There are a lot of new homes in Fergus.
“We already had three portables and were looking at five more. Now we can accommodate more students.”
The new wing increased capacity by 170 spaces. More than 600 students are currently enrolled.
The tech room is the crowning glory of the addition and is unique in new schools these days. Student projects on the go included wooden cellphone stands and wooden chairs.
“We can really engage students with hands-on learning. It is so welcome,” Goodwin said.
The room is used by Grades 6, 7 and 8 students, but Goodwin said students from nearby Catholic schools also come over to use the space, “so it’s serving others in the community as well.”
It’s a far cry from the school’s humble beginnings.
Wellington Catholic District School Board trustee Sebastian Dal Bo was principal at St. Joseph’s for 18 years and attended the ceremony with the rest of the board and other dignitaries.
“I came here in 1987. There were six portables and 163 kids,” he said, chuckling at the memory.
The brick-and-mortar school opened in 1995 with 300 students, “and now there are over 600. It’s rather astounding,” he said.
“This community is fantastic. They really make you feel welcome.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters recalled when he and his wife Debbie moved to Fergus 32 years ago from Markham so he could continue school at the University of Guelph. Debbie got a job as a teacher at St. Joe’s.
But when she saw the school was just a bunch of portables, “she cried and cried,” Watters said. “She was inconsolable and thought we had made a huge mistake.”
But the school community was the first community they met, Watters said.
“We became part of the community instantly. It was such a welcoming place, and it continues that tradition.”
Father Robert Hetu offered prayer and blessed each classroom as dignitaries toured the new wing.
Board chair Marino Gazolla said, “St. Joe’s has always been a leader,” and it continues to lead with the new addition.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky joked that he was “negative seven years old” when the original school opened in 1995, “so I can’t take any credit.
“But I will advocate for you as you grow your community.”
