Press release from MonAvenir Conseil Scolaire Catholique
Toronto, July 8, 2026 — Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (Csc MonAvenir) is proud to announce that its new Catholic elementary school in Mississauga has been named École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha. The name was adopted by the School Board on June 17, and subsequently approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680), the first Indigenous woman in North America to be canonized by the Catholic Church, remains an inspiring example of faith, courage and perseverance. A member of the Mohawk Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, she is recognized for her exceptional spiritual commitment and for her steadfast Christian faith despite the many hardships she endured.
In choosing this name, Csc MonAvenir reaffirms its commitment to fostering respect, mutual understanding and dialogue among cultures, and recognizes the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the history and identity of Canada, as well as to the spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.
Csc MonAvenir’s Indigenous Education Committee expressed its support for the chosen name, noting that Saint Kateri Tekakwitha represents an important Indigenous, Catholic and Francophone role model, with notable ties to the French Jesuit missionaries. The Committee also emphasized that Saint Kateri is widely regarded as a symbol of reconciliation and renewed relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples.
“By choosing the name Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha for this new school, we are making a meaningful gesture that reflects our commitment to reconciliation and to celebrating Indigenous cultures within our school community,” said Geneviève Grenier, Chair of Csc MonAvenir. “We hope that every student who walks through the doors of this school will be inspired by her example of faith, resilience and openness to others.”
The Indigenous Education Committee also highlighted the special significance of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha’s legacy for the Indigenous communities located within Csc MonAvenir’s jurisdiction, including the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the largest First Nations reserve in Canada.
“We are delighted that this new school will bear the name of a woman whose life embodies strength, spirituality and hope,” added local Trustee Estelle Ah-Kiow. “This name will give students the opportunity to learn about an important figure in Canada’s Catholic history while growing in an educational environment that promotes reconciliation, respect and inclusion.”
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in the consultation process that led to this decision,” said Director of Education Nicole Mollot. “The name of this new school reflects the values that guide our School Board and will help strengthen the sense of belonging among Francophone families in Mississauga while fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous realities and perspectives.”
École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha will welcome its first students on September 8, 2026. Located at 5450 Festival Drive, École élémentaire catholique Sainte-KateriTekakwitha will open under the leadership of Principal Vicky Marcotte. The school will offer programs from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and will accommodate approximately 300 students. It is Csc MonAvenir’s fourth elementary school in Mississauga. The facility also includes space for a French-language childcare centre, with up to 73 spots for children from three months to four years of age. Childcare services will be provided by Centre éducatif Éveil aux savoirs.
A first open house, held on June 11, attracted several hundred visitors, demonstrating the strong enthusiasm this new school has already generated within Mississauga’s Francophone community. A second open house will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., giving families another opportunity to tour the school and meet the administration. Parents and guardians interested in registering their child are encouraged to contact the school or visit the school’s website for more information about its programs and the registration rocess. Parents and guardians seeking information about child care services or the before- and afterschool program are invited to contact Centre éducatif Éveil aux savoirs.
More Information
Virginie Oger
Conseillère aux communications
Tél : 416.397.6564, poste 73121
voger@cscmonavenir.ca | facebook.com/cscmonavenir | @cscmonavenir