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McNaughton Avenue Public School
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Dear Community Partner,

As part of the Lambton Kent District School Board, McNaughton Avenue Public School stands as a testament to Chatham, Ontario's rich educational heritage. Born from the consolidation of several rural schools, McNaughton has evolved into a dynamic and diverse learning community, serving students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

We are proud to offer a range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each student: English, French Immersion and the Lambton Kent District School Board Virtual School. We are equally proud of our team of passionate educators and support staff committed to cultivating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. The school actively engages with the local community through events, initiatives, and partnerships, creating a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. McNaughton Avenue Public School is more than just a school; it's a place where students learn, grow, and thrive. With its diverse programs, dedicated staff, and strong community ties, McNaughton is well-positioned to continue its legacy of educational excellence for years to come.

Contact us if you have any questions or if we can help in any way.

Sincerely,

Andrew Newcombe
Principal
McNaughton Avenue Public School
History of McNaughton Ave. Public School

​​McNaughton Avenue Public School opened for the 1967-1968 school year. Originally it served as a consolidated school for Kent Area #1 School Board, replacing many one and two room rural schools in Chatham and Dover townships. The first Principal was Jay Teetzel. Over the next ten years, the north Chatham residential areas expanded and children living in these new subdivisions were added to the student population. Kent Area #1 became part of the Kent County Board of Education during this time, as part of a county wide amalgamation.

Under McNaughton Avenue Public School's second Principal, Ross Brewer, the school's enrolment grew to its maximum size, at one time having approximately 800 students. During this time the Kent County Board of Education Office was built adjoining the school. Soon after, it was decided to convert Tecumseh Secondary School into an elementary facility, and the McNaughton Avenue Public School students from the northwest Chatham suburbs were relocated there, along with those from Dover township. The third Principal, Bud Edwards, came to the school just before this substantial change in McNaughton Avenue Public School's makeup.

McNaughton Avenue Public School's fourth principal, Barry Rowe, served during a time of gradual growth, as new suburban residential areas were built in northeast Chatham.  Don Hill, the fifth Principal, continued the tradition of strong and capable principals which had been part of the more than thirty year history of McNaughton Avenue Public School.

Wayne O'Sullivan, was the Principal for four years at McNaughton, during which he had the difficult assignment of dealing with many significant changes, including the amalgamation of the Kent and Lambton school boards to form the Lambton Kent District School Board. He also led McNaughton during the debut of the provincial computerized report card. New programs were started at McNaughton, to add to the challenges of the new millennium.

Bob Myers became the seventh Principal of McNaughton Avenue Public School, having been transferred from Tecumseh Public School after the 2000-2001 year. Deb Ellicott became Principal after Mr. Myers retired until she also retired in 2012.  Following Deb Ellacott's retirement, Wilma Sonneveld-Wright became Principal, until her secondment as a Student Achievement Officer, with the Ontario Ministry of Education, in June 2013.

Mary Lynn Anderson served as the eleventh Principal of McNaughton Avenue Public School from September 2013 until February 2017, when she became the Acting Coordinator of Elementary Student Achievement within the Lambton Kent District School Board.  Outgoing Principal Erin Van De Wiele joined McNaughton Avenue Public School in February 2017, following Mary Lynn Anderson's promotion, and was replaced by the school's current principal, Andrew Newcombe, in 2024. Through Erin's dedicated and talented leadership, the school pivoted and thrived​ through the global pandemic, excelling in virtual education and making it the ideal home for the current Lambton Kent District School Board Virtual School.​

We are proud of our history and look forward to many more years serving the community!

Contact

McNaughton Avenue Public School
480 McNaughton Ave E, Chatham, ON, N7L 2G9
519-352-8242
Principal: Andrew Newcombe
Vice Principal: Elish Smith
Bus Zones: 7, 8BUS STATUS

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