St. David Catholic Elementary School opens doors for first time in Sudbury

The first day of school also marked the opening of a brand new Catholic elementary school in the Donovan neighbourhood of Sudbury.

St. David Catholic Elementary School, constructed at a cost of $8-million, opened its doors to approximately 245students for the first time Wednesday.

It's unusual for the provincial government to spend that kind of money on a new building whichisn't merging several schools, admitted Principal Dawn Wemigwans.

But, "these kids deserve a brand-new beautiful building, there's no question in my mind. They have spirit and spunk and they have the passion to be able to change the world. This building is finally meeting who we are as a school," she said.

There was some controversy around the selection of the Frood Road site for the school. People in the area were concerned that trees planted through re-greening efforts in Sudbury would be cut down.

"They were probably sad because it was a lot of hard work went into this area," said Wemigwans.

"It's our responsibility to take over right, with the kids and the families, to continue what was started," she said, adding there are plans to plant new trees on the St. David property.

Teachers also plan to take advantage of the school's setting, by using the surrounding forest as an outdoor science class, she said.

Construction on the school is expected to continue until mid-October to complete work on the building's lower level.