A Brief History

Catholic education has been occurring on or near the site of the present school since before Confederation.

On February 11, 1864, a meeting of rate-payers appointed six trustees who, shortly thereafter, appointed a Chairman and a Secretary-Treasurer. Thus our first School Board.

Immediate action was taken and a class opened in the Roman Catholic Church with an attendance of fifty children. Pending erection of a school house, money was raised by subscriptions and a 28' X 42' building was put up in the Township of Pembroke on land of the Episcopal corporation. In 1868 the second story was fitted up for another, opened by Sister Kirby.

Cathedral Catholic School is presently located in the central downtown core of Pembroke. Spirit-filled, the school enjoys a close working relationship with St. Columbkille's Cathedral Parish.

From its four-room school beginning, the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception have been a vital force in the life of this school. Growth and expansion occurred rapidly, with additions to the building completed in 1885, 1896, 1906 and 1913 at which time Cathedral School was one of the largest schools in Ontario, serving 500 pupils. The present school was built in 1954 and completely renovated in 1991. Community organizations and groups use the school's modern facilities after school hours and a daycare centre is conveniently located across from the school.

At Cathedral School, it is our goal to create for students, parents, and staff, a school community that reflects gospel values. This Gospel Spirit should be evident in our Christian way of thinking and living, and in the way we treat one another.

Significant Events in the History of Catholic Education