**NORTHEASTERN CATHOLIC  DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MEDIA RELEASE**

The Northeastern Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that the construction of a new 4 classroom extension and renovations to the existing school taking place at the permanent site of Pope Francis Elementary School (formerly the old St. Paul School site) is on schedule and will be completed this summer.

Tricia Stefanic Weltz, Director of Education commented “After careful consideration of the renovation schedule I am pleased to confirm our intentions to move to the permanent site of Pope Francis Elementary School for a September 2018 start. We have weighed our options very carefully and believe that it is in the best interest of the school community to transition to our permanent school site for the beginning of the school year. “

The existing part of the school is near full completion, with only a few minor details to be addressed. Our YMCA partners are using their newly renovated child care space already. The new build is progressing very well: windows are currently being installed, painting is being done in the classrooms, and work has just started in the playground area as well.

NCDSB will work with the transportation department to ensure that busing for the students of Pope Francis Elementary School is completed in accordance with our usual procedures. Further, NCDSB will communicate with parents/guardians over the summer to ensure that they are verifying their child’s busing information, well in advance of the start of the school year.