Name the new public-Catholic elementary school in Cambridge

Overview

A new publicly funded Catholic elementary school is being planned for Cambridge, and the community is invited to help choose its name. The school will operate under the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and is expected to serve families in a growing neighbourhood of the city.

School project details

The new elementary school will be part of Ontario’s publicly funded Catholic school system, offering education grounded in Catholic values alongside the provincial curriculum. It is being built to accommodate increasing enrolment and to relieve pressure on existing nearby Catholic schools in Cambridge.

The building is planned with modern classrooms, dedicated spaces for arts and athletics, and areas to support special education and student well-being. Once complete, it should provide students with updated facilities, including technology-enabled learning spaces and outdoor play areas.

Naming process

Residents are encouraged to submit name suggestions that reflect Catholic tradition, local history, or significant individuals who embody the school board’s mission and values. Proposals typically need to respect Catholic identity, be age-appropriate, and avoid duplication with other school names in the region.

After the community submits ideas, a committee made up of board representatives and local stakeholders will review the options and recommend a short list to trustees for final approval. The chosen name will be announced publicly before the school opens so that uniforms, signage, and communications can be prepared in advance.

How to participate

Suggestions can usually be submitted through an online form on the school board’s website or by other methods indicated in the board’s announcement, such as email or paper forms collected at existing schools or parish offices. Community members are often asked to provide a short explanation of why their proposed name is meaningful, including any biographical details for people being honoured.

Deadlines for submissions are set by the board, and late suggestions might not be considered, so families and residents are encouraged to send their ideas early. Once the consultation period closes, updates about the naming decision are typically shared on the board’s news page and social media channels.

Community impact

The new school is expected to become a focal point for the surrounding neighbourhood, offering not only classes but also events, parish connections, and extracurricular activities. Giving local residents a voice in choosing the name helps create a sense of ownership and pride in the new Catholic elementary school from the very beginning.

“Naming a new school is an opportunity to celebrate our faith, our community, and the people and stories that inspire our students to live with purpose and hope.”

Author’s summary

Community members in Cambridge can help name a new publicly funded Catholic elementary school, strengthening local identity while the board builds a modern, faith-based learning space for growing neighbourhoods.

CityNews Kitchener — 2025-11-26