7.4
421 Olive Ave, Oshawa, ON L1H 2R2, Canada
- SCHOOL TYPE: Catholic
- WEBSITE: St Hedwig Catholic School
- SCHOOL LEVEL: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Elementary
- GRADES OFFERED: PK - 6
St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church was built in 1954 and was the centrepiece of the Polish community in Oshawa. Next to the church was the convent, and across from these buildings was the school. All this was built after the arrival of Polish immigrants after the Second World War. The Felician Sisters had a huge impact and presence in the Polish community and in the Catholic schools. In September 1958, 200 students were enrolled in the newly constructed eight-room St. Hedwig elementary school, which employed several Felician Sisters who lived in the neighbouring convent. The school was built to serve the needs of the growing Polish community in the Ritson and Olive area of Oshawa. By April 1960, overcrowding necessitated the construction of four more classrooms, washrooms and office space for the school secretary. In January 1959, St. Hedwig housed nearly 400 students. St. Hedwig would be transformed once again in November 1996, when the addition of a gymnasium and further enlarging of the office took place.
Central Oshawa is a mixed residential and commercial area with easy access to parks and greenspace as well as the many businesses along King Street. There are a wide variety of housing options, ranging from large apartment complexes to single-family homes.