FAQs
It will be hard on students to have friendship groups divided. What considerations are HWDSB making to minimize the impact of friends being separated through the proposed boundary adjustments?
One of the main objectives of the transition planning process is to support students and families prepare for the move to their new school and community. This might include orientation sessions, school tours, and coordinated events with new teachers and classmates.
It is difficult to have children from the same family attending different schools. Will there be provisions to prevent siblings from being separated through the proposed boundary adjustments?
Boundary change sibling exemptions have been included in boundary reviews in the past and can be discussed and recommended for any options within the East Hamilton & Lower Stoney Creek review.
Why is a full French Immersion school not an option? Couldn't you use Sir Isaac Brock?
The Sir Isaac Brock facility is no longer an elementary school. The facility has been repurposed as an Adult Learning Centre.
The preferred model for delivery of French Immersion is dual track French and English schools which promote community integration, diversity, and program collaboration. Enrolment between French Immersion and English track should ensure that the balance supports ideal program delivery and fosters a successful learning experience for every student based upon HWDSB’s elementary program strategy as per HWDSB’s Long-Term Facility Plan Guiding Principle 9d
How were the zones affected by the boundary changes in Options #3 and #4 chosen?
Boundaries are initially identified by reviewing student population density and location. Boundaries are typically created using geographical features such as Lake Ontario, the escarpment, highways and major roadways. In areas of the City with higher student population density, boundary lines can run along residential streets. In this case, preferably the boundary line would run down the back of residential property lines to capture all students on one street but at times this is not possible. Future residential development is also taken into consideration. The goal for the boundary change in Option #4 and #3 was to move approximately 80-90 students from Eastdale to Collegiate.
Has the Boundary Review taken the new housing development in the proposed catchment areas into consideration?
Yes. HWDSB tracks City of Hamilton planning applications for new residential development in Hamilton. The planning application details such as unit type and count are included in enrolment projections. Timing and occupancy are based on a variety of factors such as planning application requirements, servicing, and City of Hamilton approvals.
Some areas covered by the Boundary Review have already been affected by the closures of Mountain View and Green Acres. What is being done to minimize future moves for students in these areas?
The goal of a Boundary Review or a Pupil Accommodation Review is to provide long term stability for students and families. Unfortunately, due to demographic changes and economic factors, more families have moved to the East Hamilton and Lower Stoney Creek area over the past 5 years than anticipated. Due to the increase in population and enrolment at HWDSB schools, boundaries at times must be adjusted to accommodate students.
Some of the proposed options will significantly affect student transportation. What considerations are HWDSB making to minimize the disruptions caused by bussing changes?
Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services will follow the Transportation Policy laid out by HWDSB. This includes providing transportation services to eligible students that is safe, timely, effective, and efficient. Steps will be taken so that the scheduled length of time on a vehicle provided through HWSTS shall not exceed 60 minutes one way.
How would the proposed changes affect students who use Aftercare?
HWDSB is currently discussing the impact of such changes with operators and how families may be supported.
Is building a new school or renovating existing schools an alternative to a boundary revision?
HWDSB has identified the need for a new K-8 elementary school in the Fruitland-Winona Secondary Plan area, along Jones Rd. According to the Board’s Educational Development Charges Background Study, the site is proposed to be purchased by 2028, and the school will have an on-the-ground capacity of 700 pupil places.
Do these options take into account the new condo development that is happening within the boundary review limits?
Historically, high rise condominium buildings in the East Hamilton and Lower Stoney Creek area have produced a limited number of students per unit. High rise condo buildings consist predominantly of one and two-bedroom units with a limited number of three-bedroom units.
Existing high rise rental apartment buildings yield a higher rate of students as they can be more affordable for families and there is a greater number of larger units available.