Boards announce names for joint-use elementary school in Cambridge

Names have been announced for a new joint-use elementary school set to open in southeast Cambridge in September.

The school at 615 Wesley Blvd. is a collaboration between the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB).

It will teach students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 and will feature an attached licensed childcare centre, which will be operated by YWCA Cambridge.

The WRDSB’s portion will be known as Giinawind Public School. There were more than 120 entries for the school’s potential name, which were reviewed by the public board’s naming committee.

Giinawind was submitted by members of the Indigenous community who say it’s derived from an Ojibwe word that means “Us, including you.”

“The name reflects the intention to create an educational experience rooted in belonging, inclusion, and a shared sense of purpose for all who walk through the school’s doors,” read a notice from the WRDSB.

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For its part, the WCDSB has received approval for the name Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School.

“The name reflects themes of protection, guidance, and care; values we know will be central to the new school’s identity from its very first day,” reads a statement from the Catholic board.

The elementary school will be the first in Waterloo Region to serve both public and Catholic students.

Guardians Angels will teach 360 WCDSB students, while Giinawind will accommodate 519 WRDSB students.

Annalisa Varano, Director of Education and CEO for the WCDSB, said, “We are grateful to build this school in partnership with our neighbours at Giinawind Public School, and we look forward to welcoming our new community this fall.”