Oakville's newest elementary school is now blessed.
Yesterday morning, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, students, staff, trustees, honourable guests and members of the HCDSB community gathered for the official Blessing and Dedication Ceremony of St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School.
A blessing of the water rite, as well as a blessing of the school site and classroom crosses was officiated by Reverend Douglas Crosby, Bishop of Hamilton, assisted by Father Jerry Punnassery, Pastor at Mary Mother of God Parish.
Sonia Snyder, Principal of St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School, spoke: "To the staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and love. We were brought together for a reason, and though we are walking where no one has been brought before, your care is the foundation that makes this feel like home."
"To the students, know that you are the heart of the school community, and you are the authors of your own story," Snyder continued. "To families and community members, thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children."
As part of the ceremony, greetings were shared by Snyder and several other dignitaries, including Marvin Duarte, Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee; John Klein, Director of Education; and Emmett Sullivan, Constituency Case Manager from the office of MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos.
"We all have a shared responsibility in building this school community," said Duarte. "Together, we will continue to uphold a joyful Catholic learning environment where all members of this community feel valued, welcomed and respected.
"Building a Catholic school community is the integral work that members of the St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School community are undertaking, each and every day."
Musical performances were presented by St. Cecilia students throughout the ceremony, as well as an inspirational video and ‘The Story of St. Cecilia’ was shared as the patron saint of music and musicians.
The event was overseen by emcee Chris Saunders, Oakville Trustee Wards 4 and 7.
Other special guests of the day, according to a HCDSB report, included parents in the St. Cecilia community, the Knights of Columbus of the Bishop Reding Assembly, HCDSB Trustees, members of HCDSB’s senior leadership team, as well as school administrators, representatives from Svedas Architects, and members of the North Oakville Community.