West Elgin Public School celebrates ground-breaking

Grand Erie District School Board held an official ground-breaking ceremony Monday, June 23, for the new West Elgin Public School in Simcoe. 

Chris Abbott

Editor

Students, staff, Grand Erie District School Board officials and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady donned hard hats and picked up shovels Monday, June 23 for an official ground-breaking ceremony at West Elgin Public School in Simcoe.

“It takes the support of the wider community to bring projects like this to fruition,” said Regan Vankerrebroeck, Superintendent of Education.

“It takes a village to make it happen… In this instance, it takes a community to create this expansion,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, speaking to students, staff and guests at the ground-breaking ceremony.

“It is about a vision, it is about commitment to the community,” said Roberto. “It is about the expertise that we were able to bring in to make it happen.

“In Grand Erie, we believe in building an environment that nurtures curiosity, that fosters student growth and learning, and where everybody is encouraged to be inspired. And we hope that this will be the place that you will be inspired.”

Students contributed to the naming of West Elgin Public School, she said, which captures where the students came from, where they are, and where they are going.

“And that is the most important piece that you can carry as you walk the halls of the newly renovated school.

“It’s going to be beautiful.”

The work that is beginning at West Elgin P.S. and the dedication of those behind it, will positively impact children and families in the entire community for a long time to come, said Vankerrebroeck.

“It’s nice to see us all join together today for the official ground-breaking for the new West Elgin Public School,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady.

“I love the T-shirts (You Belong at West Elgin Public School) – simple but to the point and a wonderful touch,” Brady smiled.

“We know that today marks more than just the start of a construction project. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Chair (Susan) Gibson said, for this community. One that invests in the future of not only our children, but our families, and our shared vision for excellence in education. Schools are more than just buildings, they are places of imagination, discovery, and friendship, as well as growth.”

West Elgin Public School, a three-storey building with a fairly substantial yard, represents a consolidation of two public schools.

It will be a modern and inspiring environment, said Brady. One where every student can thrive and every educator can shine.

“This project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together,” she added, applauding everyone who advocated for the new space. “Your passion and your persistence have helped bring us to this very important day.

“As we turn the soil, let’s also take a moment to reflect on what we’re really creating – a place where future leaders will take their first steps… where lifelong memories will be made, and where the heart of West Elgin will continue to grow stronger. Congratulations to everyone involved, the best is yet to come.”

The renovation project at 80 Elgin Avenue is scheduled to be completed in March 2026, when they expect to welcome approximately 560 students.