New and improved private school coming back to Mississauga

Newton's Grove School

Part of the proposed plan for Newton's Grove School, a private school that is moving back to Mississauga with a cutting-edge athletic facility.

Mississauga News

By Iain Colpitts

MISSISSAUGA – Newton's Grove School, which traces its roots back to Mississauga before relocating to Etobicoke, is coming back to Mississauga with a cutting-edge athletic centre.

The institution, originally founded as Mississauga Private School, was the first private school in Mississauga and moved on to Etobicoke, where it has stayed for more than 30 years.

However, in need of a bigger and better facility, Newton's Grove recently transferred to Malton and is hoping to have the new school open in early 2016.

"We were the first private school in Mississauga, so it's a very exciting project to come back from Mississauga even though it's a stone's throw from Etobicoke," said Newton's Grove director Gabrielle Bush. "It's got some great sentimental appeal to us as a school."

Newton's Grove, which usually has a student population of no more than 350 students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12, has partnered with international sports and tennis club SMASH Athletics to build the athletic facility, SMASH's first project in Canada.

The facility will include a large double gymnasium, fitness and weight rooms, squash and tennis courts, a soccer field and an indoor pool.

"We've always talked about ourselves as in terms of (serving) our students in academics, arts and athletics, but we've always had a very robust athletic program," Bush said. "To have SMASH with us is just added value for our kids."

The school will also take advantage of the amenities at neighbouring Wildwood Park, such as tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and a cricket pitch.

Malton Arena is also next door, much to the delight of Newton's Grove athletic director Nick Zero, who says the school hasn't had any hockey teams for the last few years because of a lack of rinks in its area.

"We usually have about 40 (sports) teams from elementary to high school, so this will only enhance our program," he said. "We're looking forward to hosting tournaments because usually we're always travelling to play away games … I think it will be a great advantage to our athletic program."