Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School and Giinawind Public School celebrate official opening of shared Cambridge facility

Today the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) celebrated the official opening of Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School and Giinawind Public School, a new joint-use school facility in Cambridge.

Located on Wesley Blvd., the shared facility opened its doors to students in September 2026. Designed to grow with the community, it has capacity for 354 students at Guardian Angels and 519 students at Giinawind, along with an on-site child-care centre operated by YWCA Cambridge with space for 88 children.

The shared facility reflects the long-standing tradition of partnership between the two school boards in Waterloo Region. While Guardian Angels and Giinawind each maintain their own distinct identity, programming and school community, parents, families and caregivers in this growing neighbourhood now have access to both Catholic and public education, as well as child care, close to home.

Students, staff, parents, families and community members gathered for the ceremony, which included remarks, a photo opportunity and school tours. Annalisa Varano, Director of Education and CEO of the WCDSB, and Scott Miller, CEO of the WRDSB, Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett, Renée Kraft, Chair of the WCDSB, Maedith Radlein, Chair of the WRDSB, school administrators and other guests.

As part of the celebration, Mayor Liggett presented both schools with a time capsule, to be filled by students with items reflecting their first year in the new building.

Following the official opening ceremony, the Guardian Angels community celebrated Mass and a blessing of the school, presided by the Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A., Bishop of Hamilton.

The name Giinawind (pronounced Gee-nah-win) was submitted by members of the Indigenous community and is derived from the Ojibwe word giinawind meaning “Us, including you.” The name will be woven into the day-to-day life of the school as students and staff build their shared identity, relationships and sense of belonging. Through learning, school activities and community experiences, Giinawind will serve as an ongoing reminder that every student, staff member and member of the school community has a place and a role in shaping the school.

The official opening of Guardian Angels and Giinawind marks an exciting milestone for families in Cambridge. Together, WCDSB, WRDSB and YWCA Cambridge look forward to welcoming students, staff, parents, families, caregivers and the wider community to this shared space for many years to come.

“Today we give thanks for Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School and for the students, staff and families who are already bringing it to life. This shared facility reflects what we can accomplish when two boards put the needs of children first, and it offers families the gift of a Catholic education in their own neighbourhood. We are grateful to our partners at the WRDSB and YWCA Cambridge, and to the Ministry of Education, for walking this journey with us. Alongside our friends at Giinawind, we look forward to building a community where every child in this building knows they belong.”  said Annalisa Varano, WCDSB Chief Executive Officer.

“The opening of Giinawind is an important milestone for the students, staff, parents, families and caregivers who are now part of this school community. This new facility provides students with a welcoming place to learn, connect and grow, while bringing public education and child care closer to families in this growing community. We are proud of the partnership that helped bring this school to life and look forward to seeing the Giinawind community grow and thrive,” said Scott Miller, WRDSB Chief Executive Officer.

“What a joy it is to celebrate the opening of Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School with this community. I am proud of the collaboration and innovation between our two boards that carried this vision from the drawing board to the classroom, with responsible stewardship of public resources at every step. This building is now ready to become a true home for students and staff, filled with prayer, curiosity and friendship. May Guardian Angels be a place of faith and learning for generations to come.”  said Renée Kraft, Chair of the WCDSB Board of Trustees.

“The official opening of Giinawind Public School is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the many people whose collaboration has made this school community a reality. This partnership with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is new for the WRDSB and gives both boards the opportunity to demonstrate what is possible when we work together to serve students. Thank you to everyone whose hard work ensured that Giinawind was ready to welcome students, staff, parents, caregivers and families on the first day of school,” said Maedith Radlein, Chair of the WRDSB Board of Trustees.