Following a fire at St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Forest on January 25, in-person learning is set to return on February 7.
Alternative locations to host classes have been found. The church hall at St. Mary of the Purification Roman Catholic Church will host Grades 5 to 8. The First Baptist Church will host kindergarten to Grade 4, as it used to be the Mount Forest Public School and has classrooms available.
"After the unfortunate fire at St. Mary, we as a church are happy to host the students and staff of the Catholic school," said Pastor Matthew of the First Baptist Church Mount Forest. "We look forward to the joy that comes along with children learning in the building throughout the week once again and we continue to pray for St. Mary's as they navifate this stressful chapter.
Michele Hasson, principal of St. Mary, expressed her gratitude to everyone who has helped.
"Everyone has been extremely helpful and supportive," said Hasson. "We understand this has been a challenging and unsettling situation for everyone involved and we are doing our best under the circumstances to have students return to their friends, classmates, and teachers."
Transportation will be provided to the new sites for eligible students. Plans are still being finalized and will be shared directly with families.
"The fire damage is extensive in the school and it's currently anticipated that we will remain in these temporary accommodations until the end of the school year," said Hasson. "Planning for the renovations and restoration to our school is underway."