New Cambridge school, run by two school boards, named

Two people hold signs for Giinawind Public School (left) and a rendering shows what Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School will look like (right) (Courtesy: Waterloo Regional District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board)

A new school coming to Cambridge has officially been named.

Although there is only one building that will open in the Wesley Boulevard area of Cambridge this coming September, the school is a joint venture between the Waterloo Regional District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB).

The WRDSB portion will be called Giinawind Public School after 120 suggestions were submitted by members of the Indigenous community. The final selection comes from the Ojibwe word ginnawind (pronounced Gee-nah-win) and it means “us, including you.”

Meanwhile, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board said their half of the school will be called Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School.

In a news release, Annalisa Varano, director of education and CEO for the WCDSB, said the name represents protection, guidance and care.

When the schools open, there will be space for 360 Catholic elementary school students and 519 public school students along with 88 on-site childcare spaces.