Having been closed for nearly 10 years, many Leamington residents have probably wondered what would become of the former Queen of Peace Catholic Elementary School. They now have an answer as the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) held an official reopening of Queen of Peace on February 24 as it becomes a satellite campus of the nearby Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School.
Granted permission by the Ministry of Education to reopen the school in January of 2025, the board is making use of the school’s west wing as it has housed a hairstyling and aesthetics program since September of 2025 and has just launched a new electrical academy program for the board’s second semester.
The reopening celebration saw many visitors to the new campus, including WECDSB administration, local politicians, school trustees, representatives from St. Clair College and community business partners. A slate of speakers expressed their delight with the new programs, including WECDSB Director of Education Emelda Byrne.
“Our Catholic school board is committed to creating a culture of innovation that offers diverse and responsive programs that support a variety of student pathways in such areas as skilled trades and STEM,” said Byrne. “The fact that this extremely well-equipped facility is mere steps away from Cardinal Carter makes these programs easily accessible for our students.”
WECDSB Communications Coordinator Stephen Fields shared that the renovations for the new classrooms came in at a cost of approximately $2 million dollars and offer programs not currently offered elsewhere in the county.
Funding for the new programs was provided by the province, and Windsor-Tecumseh Member of Provincial Parliament Andrew Dowie spoke on behalf of the government.
Dowie said, “These new hands-on programs at Cardinal Carter’s satellite campus are fantastic news for students in Leamington and across Essex County. By expanding access to high-quality skilled trades training, we’re giving young people more pathways to develop in-demand skills and set themselves up for rewarding, successful careers.”
Also speaking at the event was Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, who shared that the reopening was greeted with great excitement by the community.
“Programs like these play an important role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals while supporting the needs of employers here in Leamington,” said the mayor. She added, “Providing students with access to hands-on training in areas like electrical and aesthetics helps create pathways to rewarding careers while contributing to the continued growth and success of our community.”
Adding to the complement of courses offered at Cardinal Carter Secondary, Principal Jason Georges was eager to share his thoughts on the school’s newest addition.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the entire Leamington community as it gives our students access to the trades and high skills that are in demand. To bring it to Leamington shows how much our board supports us,” said Georges.
Stephen Fields of the WECDSB wanted to be sure to emphasize how the electrical program will partner with the local greenhouse industry as it continues to become highly automated and will need the skills provided by the graduates.
When asked about possible additions to the satellite campus, Fields indicated that nothing is set in stone, but did say that “there is room to grow.”
Electrical academy teacher Mr. Roehler is pictured providing some wiring advice to grade 12 students Holden Bailey and Grant Symons.
