Recent Updates

Starting in early 2025, school principals will contact families affected by the attendance area changes to share details about these adjustments, including arrangements related to school transportation. Where possible, and considering families' preferences, we will ensure that students currently enrolled in one of our schools remain at their current school.

The transition to the Grade 7-12 programming model at École secondaire catholique de Pain Court (ÉSPC) includes the renovation of a new wing dedicated to Grade 7 and 8 students, known as the “Pavillon 7e-8e ÉSPC”

Phase 1 of the work, consisting of renovating the former “Chatham-Kent Satellite Office,” began in July 2024 and was completed in August 2024. With architectural plans finalized and a contractor selected through the bidding process, Phase 2 of the renovation will begin in December 2024. This phase includes the construction of the new wing that will bring the Grade 7-8 Pavilion to life. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in May 2025.

The Grade 7-8 Pavilion will feature four existing classrooms already included in the initial plan, along with three new classrooms. To provide a suitable and comfortable environment, the pavilion will also include washrooms exclusively for Grade 7 and 8 students, as well as new lockers to meet their needs.
Click Here for more photos of our first and second inspections of the construction. 

To maintain transparent and informed dialogue with all stakeholders, we have established several communication channels to keep you updated on the progress and activities surrounding this project. These include:

• CKBRC Website: Accessible from the Providence Catholic School Board website as well as the websites of the Chatham-Kent schools (ÉSC Pain Court, ÉÉC Sainte-Marie, ÉÉC Sainte-Catherine, ÉÉC Saint-Philippe, and ÉÉC Saint-Francis), this site hosts all relevant information about this progression. It includes reports, campaign announcements, newsletters, and other pertinent resources
• Informative Capsules: As part of the communication campaign, informative capsules will be released to keep you updated on construction progress, ongoing activities to prepare students, and the next steps of implementation. These capsules will be accessible on our various platforms.
• School Social Media: Regular updates will also be shared on the social media accounts of participating schools, providing quick access to information.
• School Board Communications: Official communications will be sent at key moments to provide details about progress and the next steps of this implementation.
• Collaborative Meetings: School principals will organize meetings with parent volunteers to discuss and gather feedback on elements related to students' progression to ÉSPC in September 2025, aiming to enrich the student experience.

We encourage you to stay connected through these various channels to ensure you do not miss important updates and to continue participating actively in this process. For more details or to view the current communications please visit the communications tab on the right of this screen. 

As part of the progression toward the Grade 7-12 model, your school’s administration will establish a group of “parent volunteers” to discuss certain topics and gather feedback. Here are some examples of topics to be addressed:

• Class schedules for Grades 7-8;
• Recess periods;
• Sports teams;
• And other subjects brought forward by the administration.

These collaborative meetings will provide a unique opportunity to share your ideas, ask questions, and directly contribute to the success of this implementation. The principals of Chatham-Kent schools (ÉÉC Sainte-Marie, ÉÉC Sainte-Catherine, ÉÉC Saint-Philippe, ÉÉC Saint-Francis, and ÉSC Pain Court) will soon share information about the parent volunteer group and the dates of the planned meetings.

We encourage you to actively participate in these meetings to contribute to the development of a positive and enriching environment for your children. Your perspective is important and plays a key role in the success of this transition to ÉSPC.

The planning of key elements to structure the school day for Grade 7 and 8 students at ÉSPC is underway. This step aims to ensure a smooth transition to ÉSPC for students from feeder schools. Here are some elements in development:

• Dress Code: A consultation will be held to revise the ÉSPC dress code, ensuring it reflects the needs and realities of the students. This process will include current and future students of the school, namely families with children from Grades 6 to 11.
• Sports and Extracurricular Activities: The organization of sports teams for Grade 7 and 8 students is underway to provide opportunities tailored to their level.
• Class Schedules and School Day Structure: The development of a school schedule for Grade 7 and 8 students is in progress, ensuring seamless integration with the schedule for Grades 9 to 12, while optimizing the use of facilities.
• Learning Spaces: Classrooms, lockers, and common areas will be configured to provide a welcoming environment conducive to learning and student growth.
• Wellness Block: A wellness block is planned in the students’ schedule, addressing a variety of topics such as healthy relationships, vaping, stress management, and more.

These aspects (and potentially others) will be finalized following the collection of feedback from parent volunteers and during the 2024-2025 school year in preparation for the September 2025 school year. Detailed information will be shared with families before this date.

To support students in their transition to École secondaire catholique de Pain Court (ÉSPC), a series of activities and workshops will be organized throughout the 2024-2025 school year. These initiatives aim to prepare Grade 7, 8, and 9 students for their start in September 2025.

The planned activities include:

Orientation Workshops: Students will participate in sessions led by members of the school board’s 7-12 curriculum team. These workshops will help students better understand their new school environment at the Grade 7-8 Pavilion at ÉSPC, including the facilities, academic expectations, and daily routines. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about activities planned for their 2025 start.

Visit from the ÉSPC Administration: The ÉSPC principal and vice-principal will visit feeder schools to meet the students. This visit will provide an opportunity to get to know them, answer their questions, engage with them, and most importantly, warmly welcome them as future “Patriotes ÉSPC”.

Transition Days: On-site visits to ÉSPC will give students their first experience of the spaces dedicated to them, such as classrooms and lockers, while also introducing them to staff members who will support them.

Academic Preparation: The board's curriculum teams will organize specific activities to help students become familiar with the academic expectations for Grades 7 and 8.

These initiatives, supported by the school board’s curriculum teams, aim to provide a warm and structured welcome for students, building their confidence and engagement as they transition to ÉSPC.

May 2025 will mark a key milestone with the completion of the Grade 7-8 Pavilion at École secondaire catholique de Pain Court (ÉSPC). To celebrate this achievement and prepare students and their families for the school year, several activities and events will be organized:

Guided Tours: Students and their families will have the opportunity to explore the Grade 7-8 Pavilion, including the new classrooms, common areas, and facilities.

Orientation Sessions: These interactive activities will provide students with important information about their new environment, schedule, and available resources. They will also include opportunities to interact with school staff to answer questions and help students become familiar with their new school, ensuring they feel comfortable for the start of the school year.

Official Celebration: An official inauguration ceremony will be held to mark the opening of the pavilion. This event will bring together the school community, including students, their families, staff, and community partners, to celebrate this significant step in the progression toward the Grade 7-12 model.

These activities aim to foster a sense of belonging and enthusiasm among students and their families while strengthening the connection between feeder schools and ÉSPC.

Click here for a visual of the next steps!

We encourage you to regularly check this CKBRC website or follow updates on your child’s school social media to stay informed about the progress and activities related to this transition to ÉSPC!

For any questions, comments or concerns - please contact [email protected]