The official opening for École élémentaire catholique Jean-Béliveau drew the widow of the school’s namesake hockey great to Holland Landing Saturday.

Élise Béliveau, spouse of the late Montreal Canadiens legend, was on hand for the ceremony with her nephew.

Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, delivered the blessing of the school’s facilities.

“Jean was a very pious man who loved children and always had time to help families,” Béliveau said. “We are sure he would have been happy to give his name to a Catholic school.”

The school opened its doors in September and serves almost 120 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The site also has a L’AFRYMousse daycare that offers services to children 18 months to 12 years old

“Through its partnership with the Association des francophones de la région de York (AFRY), the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud is able to provide the numerous families of the area with a school where their children will be able to grow and learn in French, from early childhood to the end of their elementary schooling,” director of education André Blais said.

More than 16,000 people in the area identify themselves as Francophones, board chair Melinda Chartrand said.

“The demand for French-language Catholic education in the York region is growing fast and we are very proud, at the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud, to now be able to provide services in the East Gwillimbury area,” she said.