Dear Families – Port Hope High School Elementary Family of Schools
We continue to experience increased enrolment pressures within the family of elementary schools that connect to Port Hope High School. Specifically, we have significant challenges in housing the number of expected students at Ganaraska Trail Public School (PS).
As you know, one step in addressing these enrolment pressures began this September with Ganaraska Trail PS becoming a JK-5 dual track (English and French Immersion) school while Dr. M.S. Hawkins Senior PS expanded to become a dual track Grade 6-8 Intermediate School.
As we worked through this transition this past Spring with the impacted school communities, we shared that we would begin a broader public consultation this year to help find a longer-term solution to these accommodation pressures.
To that end, we are inviting interested parents to join us at the following public meetings to learn more about the enrolment challenges we are experiencing in the community, and to share feedback on the possible solutions we are considering.
Specifically, we are considering the potential of a number of possible options, including:
- Ganaraska Trail PS becomes a dual track JK/SK to Grade 4 school and Dr. M.S. Hawkins Senior PS becomes a dual track Grade 5 to 8 school.
- Ganaraska Trail PS becomes a dual track JK/SK to Grade 3 school and Dr. M.S. Hawkins Senior PS becomes a dual track Grade 4 to 8 school.
- Ganaraska Trail PS becomes a dual track JK/SK to Grade 4 school, Dr. M.S. Hawkins Senior PS becomes a dual track Grade 5 to 8 school and North Hope Central PS becomes a JK to Grade 4 school.
- Boundary Adjustment between Beatrice Strong PS, Ganaraska Trail PS and/or North Hope Central PS.
We will be reviewing this information for parents and seeking input on
possible solutions at the following meetings:
- December 5, 2022, 6:30 p.m., Port Hope High School
- January 16, 2023, 6:30 p.m., Port Hope High School
Further information on the consultation process and related information are also captured in the attached Question and Answer document. The Background Study with information on enrolment projections and possible options is available on the dedicated Student Accommodation Review: Elementary Family of Schools - Port Hope High School web page, accessible from the home page of www.kprschools.ca
We shared this information with members of the Board last evening, with a final decision tentatively scheduled, after consultation and feedback, in February 2023.
We appreciate your interest in helping us make the best possible choices for the students we serve and appreciate your continued support of our school communities.
Sincerely,
Sonal Gohil
Superintendent of Education