'Not a dry eye in the building' when plans for Catholic Central were announced

There wasn't a dry eye in the building Friday when new plans for Catholic Central High School were announced.

Danielle Desjardins-Koloff, school principal said the announcement is something everyone was looking forward to, after waiting for many years for news.

"We do our best to make the most out of our current climate," said Desjardins-Koloff. "It takes some creativity to keep the space 21st-quality calibre."

In the current building, there's no air conditioning, no modern-technology sound systems. Some students even head down the block to a different location for class.

"Heating and cooling ... our shower facilities are no longer functional," said Desjardins-Koloff. "They need some replacing. Some of our classrooms are proportionately smaller."

The new space

If you're driving north on Ouellette Avenue, you'll pass the Real Canadian Superstore on your right the new school will be across the street, on land between Ouellette and McDougallAvenue.

The board found out about the land in an unsual way, according to Terry Lyons, director of education for the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.

"It was through one of the teachers who actually put us on to [the land]," said Lyons. It wasn't even for sale at the time, but the tip got the board in ahead of the game.

"There will be parking for the staff, a field to practice sports in," said Lyons about the new site."All the opportunities a full-fledged high school should have."

Size, parking and aheritage designation for the original plan the old Windsor Arena and Water World location would have caused problems.

"In our determination the challenges would have delayed the project considerably," said Lyons about the downtown Windsor spot.

Desjardins-Koloff said it's been a long time coming.

"The faculty carried stress, some burden ... it was the unknown," said Desjardins-Koloff, noting that when students and teachers travelled to other schools, it was hard to justify the current state of Catholic Central.

"There was not a dry eye in the building," said Desjardins-Koloff. "It was a triumphant moment on Friday."

The money for the building, about $27 million, was provided by the Ministry of Education a few years ago. Now the Ontario government has pitched in $7 million to buy the land.

Desjardins-Koloff said the students are most looking forward to green spaces and athletic facilities.

"These clubs and groups will have their own rooms, their own access to equipment," said Desjardins-Koloff. "We have gifted musicians ... they love the idea of having spaces to play."

The wish list

Desjardins-Koloff said she's hoping for bright, open spaces.

"I see places and spaces for project-based learning and collaborative efforts," said Desjardins-Koloff. "Rooms and spaces to involve the community too."

Lyons said being able to provide creative spaces for teachers to have more opportunities will be important. A public meetingwill be held for students, teachers and the community to have some input.

The opening goal for the new schoolis September 2021.