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www.insideHALTON.com | O A K V IL L E B E A V E R | Friday, January 2 7, 2 0 1 7 | 1 0 HCDSB to decide on school consolidation/closure by M arta Marychuk Oakville Beaver Staff Parents of Catholic school students voiced their thoughts and concerns on school consolidation and closure in northeast Oakville Jan. 19, at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School. Approximately 75 people attended the last of three public consultations the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) held, as part of its area Pupil Accommodation Review (PAR). "The purpose of this final public consultation meeting is to provide parents and community members with all the information they need to know about the final recommendations of this school consolidation review," said Tim Overholt, superintendent of education. Process began in October The process began in October 2 0 1 6 when a report to the Catholic school board identified a staff-preferred option and one alternate option. School trustees then established an Accommodation Review Committee (ARC), which includes two parent representatives from each of the six schools in the review area -- Holy Family, St. John, St. Michael, Our Lady of Peace, St. Andrew and St. Marguerite d'Youville. O n T h e S p o t!® Carpet Cleaning Specialists www.onthespotcleaning.ca V o te d #1 purpose carpet cleaner CARHT · o* Preferred staff option The preferred staff option was to consolidate three schools into one new facility on St. Michael' s current site, which would create 550 places for pupils. The new school would offer extended French Immersion and structured teaching classroom. Since 1952 CARPET CLEAlllliG SPECUliSU Orientil Eij ciisrps FREE spot lifter with every cleaning 905.825.4256 1446 Wallace Rd. Oakville ON Alternative option The alternative option was to consolidate St. John and St. Michael into a renovated SAVE 25% OFF with loose rug drop-off facility on St. Michael' s site. The elementary school would introduce an extended French program (Grade 5 entry) and Essential Skills Program at Our Lady of Peace. Vivek D' sa, a member of the school council at St. Michael, says he understands why the school is going through this process -- pointing to declining enrolment in northeast Oakville. D' sa, who has two children who are attending St. Michael, says his family prefers the second option of renovating the school because it would create less of an impact for his family. Similarly, Ann Benson, who represents the St. John School community on PAR, said her home is an older neighbourhood and the community is a very tightknit group. She said parents would prefer not to break up the school community. Parents, who want to provide input to the board, still have a chance by making a presentation to the board when it meets Feb. 21. Parents must submit a written request to the board seven days before the meeting and presentations must be sent to Paula Dawson, director of education, at least four business days before the meeting. The board is expected to render its decision at its March 7 meeting. Sales IS S ervice ledR entals 18 Events Walkers · Wheelchairs · Lift Chairs · Stair Lifts · Porch Lifts · Aids for Daily Living Adjustable Beds · Compression Stockings · Incontinence · Bathroom Safety · CPAP & More V 2 / a c c e s s a b ilit ie s O u r p a s s io n Our frie n d ly, know ledgeable s ta ff w ill help w ith y o u r m o bility a accessibility needs. AyA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 NORTH SERVICE ROAD WEST 905 . 847.1522 A Y A O A K V ILLE .C O M Follow us on Twitter - ®abil