St. Thomas Attendance Area Review (STAAR)

Attendance Area Review Committee (AARC) Meeting

An Attendance Area Review Committee meeting took place Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The meeting was an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Attendance Area Review (AAR) initial report and process, timelines and the roles and responsibilities of AARC members. Notice of the meeting was posted on January 18, 2023.

Thames Valley wishes to sincerely thank the individuals who have volunteered to serve on the St. Thomas Elementary Panel Attendance Area Review Committee. These individuals will facilitate future subcommittee meetings where school communities will have the opportunity to give feedback about the review. More details about school-level meetings will be communicated when they become available.

 Meeting Agenda
  1. Opening Remarks
  2. Introductions and Agenda Overview
  3. Review of Attendance Area Review Process, Procedure Document, and Timelines
  4. Review of Roles and Responsibilities of AARC Members
  5. Presentation of Initial Attendance Area Review Report
  6. Q & A Period
  7. Closing Remarks
Meeting Downloads

Presentation (Revised February 9, 2023)

Meeting recording


Additional Details

About the Review

Thames Valley District School Board is moving ahead with the City of St. Thomas Elementary Panel Attendance Area Review. The initial report for this review was presented at the November 29 Board Meeting. A recording of this presentation is available for viewing online.

The goal of the Attendance Area Review is to balance enrolment within the school system, lessen reliance on portables and shorten travel times for students. The review will also strengthen TVDSB’s business case for a much-needed new school in northwest St. Thomas.

Next steps involve forming an Attendance Area Review Committee (AARC) as well as school level subcommittees with parent/guardian representatives from each school. Sub-committees will hold meetings with their school communities to gather public feedback and to strengthen the options under consideration.

Following this public input process, a Final Attendance Area Review Report and recommendations will be presented at a Board meeting in the spring for Trustees’ consideration. If approved by Trustees, attendance area changes will take effect no earlier than September of 2024. 

Related Policies and Procedures
Important Documents
Potential Options

Locke's Public School Option 1

Portion of Locke's Public School boundary assigned to June Rose Callwood Public School

Locke's Public School Option 2 

Portion of Locke's Public School boundary assigned to New Sarum Public School

Southwold Option 1 

Portion of Southwold Public School boundary assigned to John Wise Public School and portion of Locke’s assigned to New Sarum

Southwold Holding Zone Options

The Northwest Residential Expansion Lands proposed to be designated as a Holding Zone. Elgin Court Public School or a combination of both Elgin Court Public School and John Wise Public School would be the two designated holding schools.

 

The following grade reconfiguration options are also under consideration as an alternative to the potential boundary changes outlined above:

  • Southeast St. Thomas holding zone to be designated to Mitchell Hepburn Public School.
  • Mitchell Hepburn Public School converted to a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school.
  • Locke’s Public School converted to a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school.
  • Elgin Court Public School converted to a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school. Elgin Court Public School and Forest Park Public School share an attendance area.
  • Forest Park Public School becomes a Grade 7 to 8 school for Elgin Court Public School, Mitchell Hepburn Public School and Locke’s Public School.

Board of Trustees Presentation

November 29, 2022 

Helpful videos

 What is an Attendance Area Review?
 
 What is a Holding Zone?
 
What is the process for building a new school?

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