The new St. Nicholas CES, designed for the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) as a replacement for the aging St. Joseph Catholic School, is efficient, bright and inviting, providing visual connectivity throughout. This L-shaped school is focused on 21st century learning environments for collaboration and flexible use, including natural outdoor playgrounds, a daylit atrium with amphitheatre-type seating, and resource rooms integrated between classrooms. Constructed in only 11 months, this two-storey, 56,300 sq.ft. K-8 elementary school, was designed for 527 students and includes 16 classrooms, 4 kindergartens, and 4 specialty classrooms.