Updated: November 3, 2025

Construction is underway on our new Catholic elementary school at Northglen Boulevard and Middle Road in Bowmanville, expected to open in Fall 2026. The school will welcome nearly 500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and become a new hub for faith-filled learning, community, and connection.

We are now entering Phase 2 of the school naming process, and once again, we’re inviting our families, staff, parish members, and community partners to get involved.

Based on the many thoughtful suggestions received during Phase 1, the PVNC Catholic Ad Hoc Naming Committee has developed a shortlist of seven potential names that reflect our Catholic faith, values, and local community.

The names are presented in alphabetical order.

Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a symbol of Christ’s deep and unconditional love for all people. The devotion reminds us to love others with compassion, forgiveness, and mercy, following the example of Jesus’ heart.

St. Carlo Acutis Catholic Elementary School
Born in Italy in 1991, St. Carlo Acutis was a modern teenager who used his computer skills to spread devotion to the Eucharist online. Known as the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” he reminds young people that holiness is possible in everyday life.

St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School
St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians. She is remembered for her strong faith and joyful spirit, even in times of hardship, inspiring us to use our talents to praise God through art, song, and creativity.

St. Gemma Catholic Elementary School
St. Gemma Galgani was an Italian mystic known for her deep prayer life, love of the poor, and devotion to the Passion of Christ. She is often called the “Daughter of Passion” for her example of faith, humility, and compassion. She is the patron saint of students, pharmacists, paratroopers and parachutists.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Elementary School
St. Joan of Arc was a courageous young woman who answered God’s call to lead and serve. Guided by faith and conviction, she became a symbol of courage, perseverance, and trust in God’s will. She is the patron saint of France, prisioners and soldiers.

St. Scholastica Catholic Elementary School
St. Scholastica was the sister of St. Benedict and is known for her deep devotion to prayer and community. She founded a community of women dedicated to God and reminds us of the importance of faith, friendship, and prayerful living. She is the patron saint of nuns, convulsive children, education and books.

St. Ursula Catholic Elementary School
St. Ursula is known for her leadership, wisdom, and dedication to Christian values. Her story inspires courage, unity, and steadfast faith — guiding others toward Christ through example and service. She is the patron saint of the education of girls and women, Catholic education, teachers, students and archers.

There are 36 schools within PVNC Catholic - 11 are named after female saints.

Note on St. Kateri Tekakwitha:

While St. Kateri Tekakwitha was one of the most frequently suggested names, receiving 30 submissions in Phase 1, it was not advanced to the shortlist. Under Administrative Procedure 210 – Naming of Schools, proposed names must not duplicate or closely resemble the names of existing schools within the Board’s jurisdiction or in coterminous boards.

Because there is an existing St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School located only 14 km away in the Durham Catholic District School Board, the name did not meet the criteria and was therefore ineligible for consideration in Phase 2.

Note on Pope Francis:

Several submissions proposed naming the new school after Pope Francis. While deeply respected as our former Holy Father, the name does not meet the criteria set out in Administrative Procedure 210, which states that individuals may only be considered after the anniversary of their death.

In addition, because there is already a St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School in Clarington, selecting Pope Francis could create confusion between the two names, despite them being two different people. For these reasons, this suggestion was not eligible to advance to the Phase 2 shortlist.

From November 3 to 24, 2025, you are invited to review the shortlist and rank and rate the names to help guide the committee’s final recommendation to the Bishop of the Diocese for review and provide feedback before the Board of Trustees makes a final decision.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Phase 1. Your thoughtful submissions have helped shape this exciting next step in naming our new Catholic school community.

Opening in Fall 2026, the new Northglen Catholic elementary school will welcome nearly 500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. This modern, 43,000-square-foot building will include a child care centre, gymnasium, learning commons and outdoor park space — becoming a vibrant hub for faith-filled learning and community connection.

Naming a new school is an important step in building its identity. The name will carry deep meaning for students, families, staff and parish members for generations to come. That’s why we’re inviting you — our Catholic school community — to share your ideas and inspiration.

Submit your suggested school name and tell us why you believe it’s the right choice. Your input will help shape the shortlist that goes forward for final community consultation and, ultimately, trustee approval.

In keeping with Administrative Procedure 210 – Naming of Catholic Schools/Board Facilities, suggested names must meet the following criteria:

• Schools/Board facilities shall be named in honour of the Divinity, or in honour of a person or group that has been officially recognized by the Church through beatification or canonization, or an outstanding Catholic national, or international figure.
• The name of a person to be honoured shall not be considered until after the first anniversary of their death.
• The word “Catholic” shall be an integral part of the school/Board facility name. E.g., St. John Catholic Elementary School
• The word “Elementary” or “Secondary” shall be an integral part of a school name. E.g., St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School
• The duplication of names within the Board should be avoided.
• The duplication of names within coterminous Catholic Boards should be avoided