The Calgary Catholic School District broke ground for a new high school in the southeast neighbourhood of Seton on Monday, which will help ease enrolment pressures in the district when complete.
The high school is one of six new schools that the CCSD has planned and is currently projected to open in the fall of 2027. The new school will add capacity for around 1,500 Grade 10 to 12 students, the CCSD said, which will help accommodate a rapidly growing population in the area.
“We’ve been looking for a high school in the deep southeast for some time. We were really excited in March of 2023 when the government of Alberta announced funding for this much needed school. When this school is complete in fall of 2027 hopefully this school will have the capacity. It will be ready. I am confident,” said Mary Martin, CCSD trustee representing wards 4, 13 and 14.
“It’s our vision that this school will provide the supportive setting that will help students in this community and these communities live and learn in their Catholic faith centered in Christ, to meet their full potential. I know that, along with myself and my colleagues, this community will eagerly watch the construction process as it gets underway in the near future.”
Chief Superintendent Bryan Szumlas said the location of the new school was determined after “extensive” planning and public consultation. Tthe district will hire teachers and support staff after the design and physical construction are complete, he said.
Alberta Infrastructure and superintendent Brad McDonald will oversee the building of this project and will also plan attendance areas, project enrolment and arrange transportation when the school is complete.
“It’s no easy task to plan a new school, but it’s ultimately one of the most rewarding responsibilities we undertake at the district. It’s truly a team effort,” Szumlas said at a news conference on Monday.
Ward 12 Coun. Evan Spencer said the high school is much needed in southeast Calgary and it will not only be a learning institution but also an essential part of the community.
“It supports a community of learning and faith. These communities transform things. They transform hearts and minds, and therefore they transform larger communities, neighborhoods, cities and societies. So, for everyone who has a part to play today, thank you. I look forward to hopefully being here to celebrate the doors opening before too long as a privilege to be here today,” he said.
