Two new schools open within the former Western Secondary School

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Sunday afternoon to celebrate the opening of Al-Noor Private School and Windsor Islamic High School.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb and Mayor Michael Prue present a plaque to officials from the Windsor Islamic Association. Politicians from the region including three mayors as well as MPs and MPPs attended the ceremony along with a few hundred guests.

Described by school officials as a “very, very special occasion for us,” a pair of local schools celebrated their grand opening on the weekend.

A ribbon cutting was held Sunday afternoon for Al-Noor Private School and the Windsor Islamic High School, both of which are located within the former Western Secondary School.

Amney Behity, principal of the Al-Noor Private School, said her elementary school has approximately 350 students. She said they are excited to be in the school building, which has sat empty since Western Secondary closed in 2022.

“We are not only opening the doors, but we are creating new opportunities,” said Behity.

Behity called it the realization of a dream and that they are welcoming and a place of learning that will shape the lives of those who come through the doors. 

“We are grateful for all of the support,” she added.

Sadaf Khan, principal of the high school, said they have about 100 students registered thus far. She was also pleased to see a large turnout at the grand opening.

High school students will use an entrance facing Concession 6 North while elementary school students will use an entrance that faces County Road 8.

Dr. Osman Tarabain, a member of the Windsor Islamic Association’s (WIA) board of directors, said their schools date back to the mid-1990’s when they had about three classrooms in a building on Dominion Road in Windsor. They would move to a building on Janette Ave. in 2008 but now they have outgrown that building as well.

“The school became quite small,” Tarabain said.

Tarabain noted there is a rising population in the Islamic community in LaSalle and Amherstburg and that made the former Western Secondary School a good location.

“I have no doubt this facility will serve as a catalyst for growth in Amherstburg and LaSalle,” said Tarabain.

Tarabain said the WIA assumed the possession of the school from the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) approximately four weeks ago. He said they spent $350,000 in cleaning and making upgrades to the building, with such upgrades including renovating washrooms to accommodate younger elementary school students as they were originally built exclusively for high school students.

Some classrooms were also modified.

The school has capacity for about 600 students, he added, and the property is large enough for expansion if the need arises. 

Three area mayors were part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, with Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue being one of them. He noted the Islamic community brought teachings and lessons to western culture and was pleased to welcome the schools to Amherstburg.

Prue called it a “delight” to welcome the Al-Noor Private School and the Windsor Islamic High School to Amherstburg.

“This is going to hold a very dear place in my heart,” he said.

LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche also welcomed the schools to the area, and wished the students to not only flourish in learning, but to build new friendships and enjoy new opportunities.

“We wish you nothing but success,” said Meloche.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens noted the opportunities created through education. He said they will get a good education from their teachers and principals, and also noted the staff did an “amazing job” getting the building ready in just four weeks.

“There are no boundaries to education,” said Dilkens.

Windsor West MP Harb Gill also believed in the value of education and gave the parents credit as well for their role in the growth of the school. In presenting a plaque to the school, Gill said “education has always been at the heart of human progress.”

Paul Borrelli, husband of Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore MP Kathy Borrelli, also recognized the school’s opening.

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi provided greetings and predicted big things for the new schools.

“This school is going to be a fantastic school,” said Leardi. 

Leardi told the students: “When you have something great, be proud of it. I want to see all of the excellent things you do at this school with your teachers and principals.”

Two new schools open within the former Western Secondary School

By Ron Giofu