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Last week hundreds of students, staff, families and community members gathered to celebrate the highly anticipated opening of the new James L. Dunn Public School.
Construction began in November, 2019. The building incorporates the historic International Playing Card Co. factory and features contemporary design with industrial details, high ceilings and large windows which create inviting learning spaces. We are truly proud of this unique school.
The GECDSB Board of Trustees selected James L. Dunn Public School as the name of the new school to reflect Dunn's historical significance in Windsor.
In 1883 he fought, unsuccessfully, to have his daughter enrolled at an all-white school because the school for Black children was under-funded and did not provide an adequate education. After his failure in court, however, Dunn worked to improve the education system from within. First, he earned a seat as a Trustee with the Windsor Board of Education and then he was elected as the City's first Black alderman.
James L. Dunn Public School reflects many of the values and qualities associated with the city of Windsor - determination, community service, education and manufacturing. “It’s not often that you get a chance to be part of a project as special as this. And, when the school is provided with a significant name – one that represents something meaningful to and in our community as James L. Dunn Public School does – it’s all the more remarkable.” Director of Education Erin Kelly told attendees on Thursday.
The GECDSB would like to extend our gratitude to all those who made this school and this event possible. We would like to specifically acknowledge Dr. Irene Moore-Davis of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society and Catherine Adu Peasah, a descendent of James L. Dunn, who both attended and spoke at the event. Their words were impactful and sincerely welcomed.
Thank you to:
- Sadiki and Manel, James L. Dunn students and Masters of Ceremony
- Mel Brown, Principal
- Stephanie Paraschak, Vice-Principal
- Alicia Higgison, Chairperson of the Board and the entire GECDSB Board of Trustees
- Students in Grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 who sang and recited poetry
- Superintendent Shelley Armstrong
- Giuliana Hinchliffe
- Brad Gyori
- Paul Belanger
- Superintendent Todd Awender
- Andrew Dowie, MPP Windsor-Tecumseh, The Ministry of Education and the Government of Ontario
- J.P. Thompson, Architects
- Fortis Group and Sterling Ridge, General Contractors
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