Updated on 2023/03/10

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario has received funding to proceed with the construction of a six-classroom addition at Mother Teresa Catholic School (grades K-6) in Russell. The funding is being provided through the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities Program in the amount of $3.79 million. The new addition will help to address accommodation for 138 permanent pupil places.

The Board is currently proceeding with the design phase of the project, with tentative plans to open in September 2024. In 2021, the CDSBEO also received $505,794 through a joint capital submission to renovate space for a 24-child preschool program at Mother Teresa Catholic School.

“Russell is indeed a growing community, and the addition of permanent classrooms is essential to meeting the learning needs of the many families in this area. This expansion represents and supports the wellbeing and learning of students in the communities in which they live,” noted CDSBEO Director of Education Laurie Corrigan.

CDSBEO Board Chair Sue Wilson expressed her gratitude for the funding. “This investment is as appreciated as it is necessary. This addition will be tremendously valuable for the students and families served by Mother Teresa Catholic School. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for this funding, and the benefits this addition will provide to our local community.”

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario operates 39 elementary and 10 secondary schools across eight counties. The CDSBEO offers excellence in Catholic education through provincial-leading programs to approximately 13,300 students.

Growing community

The planned expansion of the school is an indication of the population growth being experienced in Russell Township. The municipality has become an increasingly popular place to live due to its convenient proximity to Ottawa and Highway 417. According to the 2021 census, the population of Russell Township that year was 6,135, and increase of 21.8 per cent from 5,039 in 2016. The 2021 census also found that 1,255 residents of Russell Township were aged zero to 14 years, which coincides with the ages when children attend elementary school.

2021 Census of Population Profile for Russell Township: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021