Students are priority

Re: OCDSB favours pricier option to fix space issue, March 22.

As a parent of a Grade 5 early French immersion student at Elmdale, I’d like to offer a different perspective on the issues than that presented in this Citizen article.

Trustees did not “choose portables,” as it says in the sub-headline. They chose an option whereby all Elmdale Public School students remain at Elmdale with minor reconfiguration of existing space. This was the option that was voted on and approved by the trustees at the March 5 meeting.

Although adding Grade 6 to Fisher Park Public School sounds like a simple solution, there are a number of issues not brought out in your article. You did note that there are concerns from Elmdale parents about 60 Grade 6 students being “thrust” into the larger school environment. I don’t think you realize the depth of our concerns — an online petition in support of our position currently stands at near to 100 signatures. We are worried because there has been no framework discussed as to the structure of the Grade 6 program at Fisher. How many teachers? How would phys-ed work? Would recesses and lunch be with the larger Grade 7/8 cohort?

Literature suggests such a move will be detrimental to the social and academic development of the students. Additionally, the Grade 6 English students at Elmdale will stay at Elmdale — breaking friendships and relationships that have developed over the last six years. Are these points being considered, or is “fiscal responsibility” the only watchword? The Grade 5 EFI students put together a petition whereby they overwhelmingly stated their desire to stay at Elmdale — are their voices irrelevant?

Devonshire parents are concerned about logistical problems. I’m not sure I understand this as an amendment to the motion was passed that provided for busing between the two schools (a distance of about one kilometre). Parents would be able to pick up/drop off JK and older students at the same locations and the same times. How is this a “logistical nightmare?”

I believe the current trustee decision is in the best interests of the students, which must be the priority here. I don’t believe it is appropriate for my daughter’s academic and social well-being to be jeopardized just to simplify daycare arrangements for students at another school.

JOHN AVIS, Ottawa