A Napanee elementary school has a slightly new name as it transitions to a new era.
The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board officially announced the renaming of J.J. O’Neill Catholic School to Monsignor J.J. O’Neill Catholic School.
ALCDSB Superintendent of Education Sonya Melim stated Monsignor O’Neill was a ‘dedicated Catholic educator who tirelessly advocated for the betterment of students and families’ in the community.
“His work exemplified the values of service, faith and excellence. We believe that adjusting the name to include his honorific Monsignor will honor him and strengthen the school’s identity and Catholic heritage,” stated Melim.
Rev. O’Neill became the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Napanee in 1969 and was instrumental in the purchase of the land for what would become Napanee Separate School.
The school was named J.J. O’Neill Catholic School in 1978.
Melim added that as the school is currently undergoing a major renovation, now was an opportune time to enact this name correction.
The name change was approved by the Board of Trustees on April 22.
(BROCK ORMOND)
