Richmond Hill's Jean Vanier school gets new name following sex abuse allegations

By Sheila Wang
Richmond Hill Liberal
June 04, 2020

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10014934-richmond-hill-s-jean-vanier-school-gets-new-name-following-sex-abuse-allegations/

Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Richmond Hill will henceforth be known as Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy. Photo by Susie Kockerscheidt

Jean Vanier Catholic High School has a new name.

York Catholic District School Board announced June 4 the school will be named Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy, replacing its former name due to sex abuse allegations against its namesake, Jean Vanier.

"The York Catholic District School Board remains steadfast in its belief that sexual assault and sexual exploitation are unacceptable behaviours that will not be tolerated," board chair Maria Marchese said in a news release.

The Catholic school board decided to rename the Richmond Hill school back in February when revelations about L'Arche founder Vanier surfaced and shocked the local community.

L’Arche International released the report Feb. 21, revealing accusations he engaged in "manipulative sexual relationships" that took place under "coercive conditions" from 1970 to 2005.

L’Arche is an international private charity that helps people with intellectual disabilities through support networks, programming and housing.

After more than three months of discussion and consultation with the students and parents, the school board has settled on Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy, which refers to the parish closest to the school — Our Lady Queen of the World Roman Catholic Church, according to the release.

"Our Lady" in the new name references Mary, the mother of Jesus, and "Queen of the World" is one of many queen titles given to Mary.

The news release also noted the change in designation from Catholic high school to Catholic academy represents "the school’s focus on excellence in all pathways," including advanced placement, French immersion, English as a second language, and multiple Specialist High Skills Major programs.

The new name is expected to take effect before the start of the 2020-21 school year.