FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRANTFORD, ON – Friday, October 30, 2026 – The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) is pleased to announce that its Board of Trustees has selected St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School as the recommended name for the new Catholic secondary school currently under construction at 353 Powerline Road in northeast Brantford.
The recommendation follows a successful community consultation process that invited students, families, staff, parish communities, and other community members to help shape the identity of the new school.
Following the Board’s Naming of Schools Policy and the Ontario Ministry of Education’s School Naming Policy, the proposed name will be presented to the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton for review and submitted to the Ministry of Education for formal approval. The name will become official once the required approval process is complete.
“This is an exciting milestone as we continue building a new Catholic secondary school community in Brantford,” said Carol Luciani, Chair of the Board. “We are grateful to everyone who participated in the naming consultation and shared their ideas. The name selected by trustees reflects our commitment to establishing a meaningful Catholic identity for a school that will serve students and families for generations to come.”
The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mirona Dragicevic as Principal of the new Catholic secondary school. Ms. Dragicevic, currently principal of St. John’s College, Brantford, will play a key role in preparing for the school’s opening, supporting the transition of students and families, and helping establish a welcoming, faith-filled learning environment.
“The appointment of Mirona Dragicevic as principal marks an exciting milestone as we prepare to welcome students and families to our newest Catholic secondary school,” said Mike McDonald, Chief Executive Officer. “Mirona brings a strong combination of leadership, vision and dedication to Catholic education that will help shape a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive school community. We are confident that under her leadership, this new school will be a place where students feel valued, develop a strong sense of belonging and are inspired to learn, grow and succeed academically, socially and spiritually. We look forward to working alongside Ms. Dragicevic as we build a strong foundation for this exciting new chapter in Catholic education.”
The proposed St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School, located at 353 Powerline Road in Brantford, is scheduled to welcome its first students in February 2028, at the beginning of the second semester of the 2027–28 school year. The school will initially open to students in Grades 9 and 10. These students will begin the school year at their existing designated secondary schools before transitioning together to the new school in February 2028. In September 2028, the school will expand to include students in Grades 9 through 12.
To support a smooth transition, students entering Grades 11 and 12 at Assumption College School or St. John’s College in September 2027, who live within the new school boundaries, will have the option to remain at their current school to graduate with their classmates or move to the new school.
As construction and transition planning continue, BHNCDSB will share additional information with area families, including important dates, student transition details and opportunities to learn more about the new school.
Families are encouraged to visit CatholicEducation.ca|New Catholic Secondary School for updates as preparations move forward.
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MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
For information about BHNCDSB:
Tracey Austin | Manager of Communication and Community Relations
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
communications@bhncdsb.ca
