Blake Ellis/The Independent

There may soon be more room at St. John Fisher Catholic School in Forest. 

The St. Clair District Catholic School Board will ask the provincial government for funding for an addition.

The school board’s long-term capital plan update was presented to trustee at its Sept. 23 meeting by Associate Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer Amy Park, which included the four-class addition.

St. John Fisher Catholic School was built in 1960 and since has had five additions with the latest expansion in 2006. A new addition would add the classrooms and additional space for the childcare facility

The school’s capacity is 282 students and by 2023 was already exceeding that with 316 students. There are three portables at the school right now. Another capital and funding application was submitted last school year as well, but it was unsuccessful. 

District wide, there are 6,481 students enrolled in St. Clair Catholic’s elementary schools with 2,819 students enrolled at the two secondary schools. This means its capacity is 91 percent in the elementary schools and 84 percent in the secondary school. 

Between 2014 and 2024, elementary school enrolment has declined by 227 students, but over the next 10 years is expected to grow to 7,000 students.

On the secondary school side in the last 10 years, enrolment has increased by 251 students and is expected to hit 3,300 students in 10 years.