**NORTHEASTERN CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD NEWS RELEASE**

Over the course of the past few months, the Northeastern Catholic District School Board administration team has been carefully analyzing the student enrolment data and long-term projections at both Pope Francis Elementary School and O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School. We have reviewed the facility capacity at each site as well, and we have been in thoughtful consideration of the program needs of students in our schools. As such, effective September 1, 2019 grade structures at Pope Francis Elementary School and O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School will be as follows:

Pope Francis Elementary School: Kindergarten to Grade 5 
O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School: Grade 6-8 

Tricia Stefanic Weltz, Director of Education commented, “Our research and analysis of information is suggesting that a shift to this new structure would be beneficial to English Catholic elementary education in Timmins. From a sheer accommodation standpoint, the revised grade structure is feasible, and perhaps advantageous, at both locations. There is a balance of available spaces in this model as one of the greatest benefits. The shift also allows for increases to classrooms and programs at both schools, in the immediate and over time. As well, from a social perspective, the revised model supports younger students the opportunity to participate in outdoor play during scheduled recess times, while further enhancing continuity of programming at the junior level.”

The Principals of both schools will be working collaboratively with members of the Board team to ensure a smooth transition. As well, we are engaging in the necessary planning to ensure that both the facility and playgrounds are ready at Pope Francis Elementary School for a September implementation date.

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