Staff and students get a sneak preview of London's newest elementary school

According to the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), they are the fastest growing Catholic school board in Ontario, with over 4,500 staff and more than 27,500 students.

Some reprieve is coming, however, for the 44 elementary schools LDCSB oversees. St. Gabriel, London’s newest Catholic elementary school, opens Jan. 6, 2025.

“For the students that are coming to this school, they are getting an excellent end product. The school is beautiful. The contractors have done an amazing job here. And the brightness of the windows, the light, the atmosphere. I think they're going to be really happy with the end result,” said LDCSB Executive Manager of Capital Projects Daryl Diegel.

The $22.3 million, 507-student school is located in northwest London, near Hyde Park Road and Sunningdale Road and boasts some subtle quality of life improvements for students and staff.

“With the design of the school, we did some creative approaches, and we have done a no-wax school. So, we are actually going to be saving costs in the future. The custodians will be very happy with the new work that's been done here,” said Diegel.

A classroom in St. Gabriel's elementary school, Dec. 16, 2024 (Fiona Robertson/CTV News London)

Some other highlights include indoor and outdoor LED lighting with lighting sensors, low-flow plumbing features, and an electronic building automation system.

Grade 8 student Elizabeth is among the group of students that makes up the first graduating class, “Everything's new, I can have fun. It's like a new experience. Get to explore the school more, you know, and take part in the community.

Her peer Eunice shared Elizabeth’s excitement, “It's so exciting, being the first grade eight, making history. It's super exciting. I love everything. I mean, the new library, the new gym. Our classrooms are really nice, too. And the cubbies are really nice.”

While hundreds of students changing schools halfway through the schoolyear comes with its difficulties, steps were taken ahead of time to avoid some hurdles.

According to the new school’s principal, another Catholic school has played host to St. Gabriel students since September.

“The nice part is we have been up and running. So we're over on the site of St. Catherine of Siena [Catholic School], and we've been running two schools out of there. So, the logistics of, you know, getting used to your teacher and new classroom and new friends, a lot of those hurdles have already been accomplished,” said Geoff Moore.

While another school helps with hallway congestion and overcrowded classrooms, St. Gabriel is already near capacity and will be utilizing portables.

“The two portables are going to be utilized day one. There has been some growth in the community. And as we continue to grow, we're applying to the Ministry of Education for future schools,” said Diegel.

Moore added, “The population in our city has really [increased]. And we're in a spot where we need more schools, and we need to do the things that we're doing, and it's going to relieve a lot of pressures.”

“The students in the community have been great. And they made that move very easy, I would say, on us teachers. So, I got to give it to all the students and the community. It was great. The move was very smooth. We thank St. Catherine of Siena, obviously, for hosting us for those four months, but really look forward to starting like, a new year at St. Gabriel's,” said Grade 6 teacher Joe Taylor.

A few lucky students were also able to tour the new school ahead of their classmates.

“This school is like, really cool. Sure is only, like, one story. But I feel like all the new stuff just makes it so nice. The washrooms are all clean, so everything's just going to be so nice,” said Grade 8 student Kaylee. “We all have our own cubby, so it's everything's got to be organized. No dirty shoes on the floor.”