High Schools

Avenir St. Patrick consults the English-speaking Community

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Avenir St. Patrick consults the English-speaking community

Cassandra Kerwin

cassandra@qctonline.com

As the the Central Québec School Board (CQSB) moves ahead with plans to build a single consolidated English high school in Quebec City, members of the English-speaking community and residents of the sur- rounding neighbourhoods are curious about the future of the buildings currently housing Quebec High School (QHS) and St. Patrick’s High School (SPHS) and the land they occupy. On April 30, Avenir St. Patrick invited the English-speaking community to a consultation at the Centre culture et environnement Frédéric-Back to discuss the future of the SPHS property.

Among the 20 or so attendees were current and former SPHS teachers, parents, alumni, members of the Irish community, representatives of local nonprofits, residents and sports enthusiasts. In table discussions, each person gave their opinion, thoughts and ideas for the site. The discussions focused on three main possibilities: non-profit and privately-owned co-operative housing, a community centre and a green space.

For many house hunters and entrepreneurs, Montcalm is a sought-after neighbourhood, with SPHS at its heart. If and when the land and building are sold, members of the local Irish community worry they may lose a major piece of their historical identity and heritage. The use of the property dates back to the 1830s, when it was St. Patrick’s Cemetery, until the cemetery was moved to Sillery to make room for the new school in 1916. With such deep roots, they want to continue to use the space and land, and for it to represent them, which includes conducting activities in English.

The building has two major parts: the school and the gym. The latter is not as easily transformed into housing and requires more engineering and planning. This integrates into existing plans for a community hub with a performance hall and a multipurpose space. As for the outdoor green space, local residents said they appreciate it, and community sports clubs use the soccer field for Gaelic football and hurling, among other sports.

Much of the discussion at the meeting was speculative because the land and building are not for sale at the moment. All that is certain is the school’s eventual move to the new location in Sainte-Foy, the second move in its long history, slated for 2028. Backers of the “super- school” project say it is necessary to allow the school board to sell off the aging high school buildings, stimulate enrolment and offer CQSB students educational opportunities and options similar to their counterparts at local French-language schools.

Avenir St. Patrick indicated that another meeting would be planned in the near future, probably in French, to reach more community members. The group would like to present solid plans to the city before 2028.

Keep an eye on the Avenir St. Patrick Facebook page for further information.

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Addressing Mental Health in High Schools: A Key to Resilience in Park-Extension

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Dimitris Ilias

LJI Journalist

Park-Extension, is home to a vibrant community with a significant number of young students navigating the challenges of adolescence. Recent research on mental health education in high schools has shed light on the critical role that early intervention can play in fostering resilience and reducing substance abuse disorders among youth. This study, conducted in Montreal, found that first-year high school students who attended just two mental health workshops were less likely to develop substance abuse problems by the time they graduated.
This discovery holds particular significance for communities like Park-Extension, where economic and social pressures can sometimes exacerbate mental health challenges among students. With many immigrant families working hard to establish themselves in Canada, young people in the neighborhood often face added responsibilities, cultural adjustments, and the pressure to succeed academically. These stressors, if left unaddressed, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use.
The study’s findings suggest that implementing structured mental health programs in high schools could have far-reaching benefits for students in Park-Extension. By equipping young people with the tools to recognize and manage stress, educators and community leaders can help mitigate long-term mental health risks. Schools in the area, including those under the EMSB and CSSDM, could benefit from integrating mental health workshops into their curricula, ensuring that students receive the support they need before problems escalate.
Local organizations and mental health advocates have long emphasized the importance of community-based support for youth. Groups such as the Park Extension Youth Organization and the École Secondaire Georges-Vanier’s student services have been instrumental in providing safe spaces and counseling for students. However, the recent study highlights the necessity of embedding mental health education within the school system itself rather than relying solely on external services.
Mental health awareness is no longer a peripheral issue—it is a fundamental aspect of education that can shape students’ futures. For the youth of Park-Extension, access to early mental health education could mean the difference between struggling in silence and developing the skills to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. As Montreal continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its diverse communities, prioritizing mental health in schools should remain at the forefront of the conversation.

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