Quinte ‘Dream Big, Saints’ Secondary School

These are photos of the now former Quinte Secondary School (QSS) in Belleville, Ontario, as it was in the summer of 2024. Quinte was my first high school, and I’d only been back to the building a handful of times since being a student there from 1987 to 1990. After hearing it had closed, I wanted to see it, perhaps for the last time, while on a rare visit with family in the area. Walking the grounds with my camera in hand, I was flooded with memories of friends, teachers, the endless hallways, and the unmistakable vibe of high school life in the late ’80s.

QSS first opened its doors in 1957 and served generations of Belleville students for more than six decades. It was known for its strong sense of community, spirited ‘Saints’ pride, and a diverse mix of academic, arts, and athletic programs. Declining enrollment eventually led to its closure in 2018, when students were merged with Eastside Secondary School.

Now the building sits quiet, windows dark, waiting for whatever comes next, whether redevelopment, demolition, or a new purpose entirely. For those of us who passed through its halls, the school may always hold a piece of our shared history and memories.

Photography: Christopher Roy | @christopherroy