Media Releases

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

DECISION MADE ON RIVERDALE SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN RELOCATION

At a meeting with the Board of Trustees this morning, the Superintendent outlined the rationale for his decision to temporarily relocate Riverdale School's Kindergarten Program to Forest Heights School for the 2010-11 school year.

The main rationale includes the following:

  • The anticipated enrolment at Riverdale School in September 2010 is 60 students.
  • At present, there are only 27 students enrolled for Kindergarten to Grade 2 (five for Kindergarten, 15 for Grade 1 and seven for Grade 2).
  • This low level enrolment has already resulted in plans to combine Grades 1 and 2 classes.
  • Adding Kindergarten to an already combined Grades 1 and 2 class would not provide the best learning and teaching environment for students.

Based on the Board of Trustees' commitment to ensuring the best educational opportunities for students, they have agreed to support the Superintendent's decision to temporarily relocate the Kindergarten program to Forest Heights School.

In balancing the need to respond to community concerns while ensuring appropriate class sizes and programming are in place for the fall, the Board has received the Superintendent's commitment that should summer enrolment increase significantly to allow for viable class groups at Riverdale School by August 23, the Superintendent will revisit his decision.

The Superintendent and the Board Chair will be available to answer questions regarding this decision at 1 p.m. in the Atrium at the Centre for Education.

Further information, contact:
Jane Sterling, Communications
780-429-8290
780-970-4356