“Monsignor J.J. O’Neill was a dedicated Catholic educator who tirelessly advocated for the betterment of students and families in our community,” said Sonya Melim, Superintendent of Education. “His work exemplified the values of service, faith and excellence. We believe that adjusting the name to include his honorific Monsignor will honor him and strengthen the school’s identity and Catholic heritage.”
Rev. J.J O’Neill became the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Napanee in 1969 and was instrumental in the purchase of the land for what would become Napanee Separate School. The school was named J.J. O’Neill Catholic School in 1978.
“As the school is currently undergoing a major renovation, this was an opportune time to enact this name correction,” said Melim.
The name change was approved by the Board of Trustees on April 22, 2025.