Our Lady of Hope Catholic School is the new name for the Catholic half of the joint-use venue on South Hill, which the school division believes encapsulates its values and mission.
Administration with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division revealed the new moniker during the March 18 board meeting, which included displaying an artist’s rendition of the school with its name attached on a screen in the boardroom.
The board chose the name after thoughtful consideration, prayer and input from students and staff, while the decision reflects trustees’ commitment to creating hope by fostering learning and honouring diversity within a Catholic educational environment, Holy Trinity said in a news release.
The division’s vision is “Christ-centred, lifelong learning,” and as the Roman Catholic catechism states, “All that we believe about Mary is based on our faith in Christ.”
“This name choice aligns perfectly with our dedication to provide a nurturing Catholic environment that inspires and supports every student on their educational journey,” board chairwoman Joann Blazieko said.
The significance of the name “Our Lady of Hope” resonates deeply within the Catholic community because it honours the Virgin Mary’s appearance in Pontmain, France, in 1871 during the Franco-Prussian War, where she offered solace and protection to those in need, the division explained.
Furthermore, the story serves as a “powerful reminder of the importance of faith, prayer and perseverance,” values that Holy Trinity attempts to instill in its students. Moreover, this name holds great promise for the effect it is expected to have on pupils.
“It reinforces our message that no matter the challenges they may face, they can find strength, resilience and hope within our school community,” Blazieko said. “Our Lady of Hope will serve as a beacon guiding our students towards a future filled with promise and possibility … .
“Together, we will continue to nurture an environment where every student can flourish academically, spiritually and personally.”
Archbishop Don Bolen, with the Archdiocese of Regina, said the new name was a wonderful choice.
“Our world presents so many challenges to students, and hope can be hard to find. But we need hope to live in joy, and Catholic schools should be artisans of fostering hope in our students,” he said.
“Our hope comes from God, whose loving face we see in Jesus. His mother, Mary, opened herself fully to the grace of God and is a beacon of hope,” the archbishop added. “May all future students, faculty and staff of Our Lady of Hope know that they are beloved of God, and may they draw strength from Mary’s example and follow her in being beacons of hope.”
This new joint-use school is being constructed in partnership with Prairie South School Division in the Westheath subdivision in southwest Moose Jaw. The new building will combine the four South Hill schools of Empire School, Sacred Heart School, St. Mary School and Westmount Elementary School.
The school is expected to open in September 2025.
The next Holy Trinity board meeting is Monday, April 8.
