Lambton-Kent school boards are preparing to welcome students next week and are looking ahead to another successful year of learning.
St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) Director of Education Lisa Demers said currently, around 6,500 elementary school students and 3,000 secondary school students are enrolled, totaling just over 9,500.
"Compared to last year's August numbers, this reflects growth of 118 elementary students, 160 secondary students, for a total overall of about 278," said Demers, who noted that enrolment numbers fluctuate as registrations are processed. "It certainly shows the increasing trust from families who value Catholic education," she said.
During the summer break, Demers said over 80 primary students participated in math camps and 58 Grade 9 students took part in the board's Head Start program, preparing them for high school.
Demers said mental health supports were also provided throughout the summer, however, she couldn't specify how many students utilized the service.
"...Only because we don't have all the numbers. But the work reflects the commitment to our students and especially to ensure we have successful transition planning for students who really need it," said Demers. "Over the summer, that can be a long time for students, so it's important that they know they have somebody there that cares and they have somebody to talk to."
The school board also noted progress on a couple of major construction projects in Sarnia over the summer break.
The new Sacred Heart Catholic School on Hogan Drive will welcome students next week. Demers called it "a milestone moment" for them.
"It's a vibrant modern space that embodies progress, innovation, and faith," she said. "On September 10, Bishop Ronald Fabbro will be blessing the school, marking both a new beginning in a renewal of our mission in Sarnia-Lambton." St. Patrick’s Catholic High School is also undergoing gym renovations, which are nearly complete.
"By September 15, that gym will be ready to host athletic achievement, school spirit, and community gatherings," Demers said. No major projects were carried out in the Chatham-Kent area since the school board completed construction of St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School last year.
"We now have three brand new schools that are in Chatham-Kent -- St. Angela Merici, Monsignor Uyen, and St. Teresa of Calcutta," she said. "So we really did have quite an opportunity in the Chatham-Kent region to ensure that we had new, beautiful facilities for student learning."
For those going to school on September 2, Demers said they can't wait to see everyone.
"This school year is about renewal, excellence, faith, and action," she said. "At St. Clair Catholic, our vision is alive and well and we just want to learn together to ensure that every student knows that they belong and that they know what their God-given gifts and talents are."
Meanwhile, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is also projecting a slight increase in enrolment, as totals will be calculated in September.
Enrolment is currently sitting at 21,552 students compared to 21,511 in 2024.
"Things are looking positive," said LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi.
He said the public school board also has several ongoing projects.
"For example, we are finishing up a classroom addition -- two classrooms and a daycare at Errol Village Public School. If you've driven by Northern, you can see we're in the process of resurfacing the track, upgrading some washroom areas and HVAC systems, and adding an elevator," Girardi said. "We also have a new baseball diamond that's under construction at Lambton Centennial School, and that's through funding that came in through the Jays Care Foundation. We have some new Kindergarten classrooms, a library, and an ALLP (Alternative Learning and Life Skills Program) classroom at King George in Sarnia."
He also said work at Rosedale Public School is ongoing and construction of the new K-12 school in Forest is expected to start this year, although an exact date hasn't been set.
In Chatham-Kent, Girardi said asphalt and a new accessible playground have been installed at Winston Churchill Public School. Other capital projects included an art room, ALLP rooms, and accessible washrooms at Chatham-Kent Secondary School; ALLP rooms and unit ventilator installation at Wallaceburg District Secondary School; installation of boilers and pumps at John McGregor Secondary School, and partial roof replacement.
Girardi said the LKDSB is looking forward to seeing returning and first-time students.
"At the LKDSB, public education for us is a community endeavor and we want people to feel welcome when they start class next week," he said.
Last year, Sarnia's Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School (AMSS) transitioned into a technological education hub, focusing on six sectors such as construction, health and wellness, hairstyling and aesthetics, horticulture and landscaping, hospitality, and transportation.
"We did have some successful open houses this summer. We continue to register students," he said.
Around 300 students are enrolled at AMSS for the 2025-2026 school year, which is similar to last year.