SMC Grand Opening 1SMC Grand Opening 2SMC Grand Opening 3SMC Grand Opening 4SMC Grand Opening 5SMC Grand Opening 6 SMC Grand Opening 7SMC Grand Opening 8SMC Grand Opening 9                            Supplied by the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board… Sault Ste. Marie:  The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) was pleased to formally open its newest school on Friday, October 30.

 

Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, was the guest of honour at the ceremony which celebrated the construction of the new St. Mary’s College (SMC) secondary school.  Mr. Orazietti was instrumental in getting the $52-million dollar project approved by the Ministry of Education.

 

“There were many people involved in the construction of this fantastic school, but initially it was the support and hard work of Mr. Orazietti that brought this project to fruition.  We are very grateful for his efforts,” said HSCDSB Director of Education, John Stadnyk.

 

The new St. Mary’s College opened for students, as scheduled, on September 8, 2015.

 

“What a day!  The ceremony was beautiful, as beautiful as the school it celebrated.  Our students and staff can’t say enough about this new school.  It’s a tremendous asset to Catholic education in Sault Ste. Marie,” said St. Mary’s College Principal, Cindy Sawyer.

 

The ceremony also included the naming of the athletic field in honour of former St. Mary’s College Principal, Fr. Brian Higgins.  Fr. Higgins, who spent 13 years at SMC as a teacher, principal and football coach, was on hand for the dedication.  Fr. Brian Higgins Field will host football games beginning next fall.      The grand opening ceremony followed a public open house held the previous evening and the blessing of the school by Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe on October 23.