Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Say thanks to our crossing guards

On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, be sure to say thank you to our crossing guards who work faithfully in all kinds of weather to assist our children to walk safely to school. A quick smile and thank you will go a long way...

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Hespeler/Preston Elementary Schools Boundary Study -minutes from January 31st meeting

A meeting of the Working Group was held on January 31, 2008 (made up of Board staff, school administrators and parents of each of the school communities). Planning staff reviewed the purpose and scope of the boundary study, and identified issues and discussed the objectives of the study.
Discussion/Issues and Comments Raised:
• Children have become accustomed to Silverheights PS and like it
• Although children are bused, there is continuity of the JK to 8 program
o consider JK-8 scenario for new boundary
• Already have kids at two different schools because of French Immersion, this would be one more change
• If any appointments with children during the day would facilitate if closer to home.
• Concern with moving grade 8’s for one year before secondary school (or have 7 and 8’s finish at Silverheights PS
• Impact of French Immersion program: Elgin, Clemens Mill and Hespeler
Clemens Mill PS is overcapacity
o portables and related concerns
o impact on school’s infrastructure
• The solution should be longer-term
Ryerson PS issues relate to being very small
o want a solution that keeps the school open.
o great community, but no internal growth
• Like the JK-6, 7/8, secondary model
o 7/8 allows for a ‘junior high’ experience
• Program has to be key consideration as well as size
Elgin Street PS has a tight community, French Immersion students especially so.
o good blend of students
o site access, Elgin Street congestion, parking is tight
o site has steep rear yard
Objectives
• That solution(s) be long-term and include permanent construction
• Keep Mattamy (Townline) development together as a school community - understand that we are transported now and will be in the future
• Organize bus routes to minimize travel time and keep JK-8 bused students on same buses
• Program, continue high standards
• Facility that supports program by providing safe and secure environment for students and staff.

Next Meeting Date:
Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 4:30 p.m., Saginaw PS Library
Working Group Meeting

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Preliminary agenda for February 20th 2008 meeting

When: Wednesday February 20th 2008
Where: Art Room
Time: 7:00 – 8:00PM

Agenda:
1. Financial update – Richard, Ozzie (15 minute)
2. School boundary update – Roger (5 minutes)
3. 2008 seminar update – Alison, Richard (10 minutes)
4. 2008 BBQ planning – All (10 minutes)
5. School update (10 minutes) – Roger, Alison

All parents are welcome to attend!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Board updates right to your mailbox


Check out the Waterloo Region District School Board's Direct To You mailing list for news releases and 'system messages'. The latter is the best feature, broadcasting emails about school closures directly to your mailbox, first thing in the morning. No need to scramble for the radio or the TV when the weather looks ominous!
See http://www.wrdsb.on.ca/mailinglist-signup.php