MOUNT FOREST – The Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) has announced plans for temporary accommodations for students and staff of St. Mary Catholic School, which has been shut down since a Jan. 25 fire.
Students will return to in-person learning on Feb. 7 at local churches following a fire last Thursday, states a Feb. 2 WCDSB press release.
Board officials say the solution was made possible “thanks to the support of Father Mike Anderson at St. Mary of the Purification Roman Catholic Church and members of the governing council of the First Baptist Church in Mount Forest.”
St. Mary’s church hall will accommodate students from Grades 5 to 8 “and is being prepared accordingly,” the release states.
First Baptist Church, formerly Mount Forest Public School, has several classrooms available on site for students in kindergarten to Grade 4, the release adds.
“We want to thank the St. Mary Catholic School staff, students, families, County of Wellington, the Township of Wellington North and the greater Mount Forest community for the outpouring of support we have received since the fire,” states St. Mary Catholic School principal Michele Hasson.
“We have had outreach from businesses, faith communities, and staff and administration from the Upper Grand District School Board as well as the incredible support we have received from various departments and colleagues within the Wellington Catholic District School Board.”
Hasson added, “Everyone has been extremely helpful and supportive. We also want to extend our gratitude to the first responders who fought the fire at our school early Thursday morning. We are grateful for their bravery and service.
“We understand that this has been a challenging and unsettling situation for everyone involved and we are doing our best under the circumstances to have students return to their friends, classmates and teachers.”
One of the churches temporarily accommodating St. Mary Catholic School students is First Baptist Church on Fergus Street North. Photo by Jordan Snobelen
On Jan. 25, Wellington North Fire Service, as well as Minto Fire responded to a fire at the school.
No one was at the school during the blaze and no injuries were reported, however the building sustained extensive smoke, fire and water damage.
Fire officials have indicated they do not consider the blaze suspicious and the cause is believed to be electrical in nature.
Since the fire, the press release states, school and board officials have been working to find temporary accommodations until the end of the school year.
“After the unfortunate fire at St. Mary, we as a church are happy to host the students and staff of the Catholic school,” said Pastor Matthew Neerhof of First Baptist Church.
“Our building has been a blessing to us and we are grateful to extend that blessing to assist the school in this difficult time.
“We look forward to the joy that comes with children learning in the building throughout the week once again and we continue to pray for St. Mary’s as they navigate this stressful chapter.”
Transportation to sites will continue to be available for eligible students.
School administrators continue to finalize plans for the transition, noting information will be shared directly with families.
“The fire damage was extensive in the school, and it is currently anticipated that we will remain in these temporary accommodations until the end of the school year,” said Hasson.
“Planning for the renovations and restoration to our school is underway.
“We are looking forward to a return to our St. Mary Catholic School site in new school year.”
