Community Bids a Fond Farewell to Briardale at Annual FunFair 

Nestled on a quiet tree-lined street in south St. Catharines, Briardale has proudly served students and their families for over 50 years. On Thursday, June 19, the community will come together to bid a fond farewell to the Caroline Street school at the annual Fun Fair and Barbeque. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

“Our Fun Fair will feature all the usual activities that students have come to love over the years. We’ll also have some of the school’s rich history on display for those wanting to take a walk down memory lane,” says Phil Schuyler, Briardale Principal.   

In 1952, the six acre site for Briardale was purchased by the St. Catharines Board of Education for $7,800.00. Six years later, in 1958, the five classroom school opened. The total cost to build the school was approximately $115,000.00. Over the years, the school has undergone numerous renovations and additions.  

In September, students will be joining their friends at Oakridge Public School. Directing students to Oakridge is a response to the challenges created by declining enrolment. “Students at Briardale would typically attend Oakridge for Grades 6 – 8. This change makes a lot of sense for students as there are already so many connections between our two schools,” added Schuyler. Oakridge is just over one kilometer away on Marsdale Drive.