January 7th, 2022

In September 2022, we will open a new elementary school on Tartan Avenue, located in the Southwest Kitchener area of Kitchener.

We know that our schools are integral parts of the communities we serve. As such, selecting a name for a school is an important first step in the ongoing relationship between the school, and those who learn, work and grow inside and out of the school.

The new elementary school will be a hub in the Southwest Kitchener community and will serve more than just the students and families that attend the school. The facility will include an EarlyON Child and Family Centre, child care centre, and City of Kitchener community centre. Therefore, the name needs to reflect the values of the community and be a welcoming space for all.

Suggesting a School Name

The school naming committee wants to hear from you. This is a callout to all WRDSB students, parents, families, community members, and beyond to name our newest school.

History of the Area

According to Whose Land website, Tartan Avenue falls within Treaty 3 (Between the Lakes Purchase) and the Haldimand Treaty. Treaty 3 was a treaty signed in 1792 between the Principal Chiefs of the Messissague Nation and John Graves Simcoe, a representative of the Province and Crown. The Treaty covers the territory between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The Haldimand Treaty of 1784 runs on both sides of the Grand River. Originally, 6 miles on either side of the Grand River (950,000 acres) were set aside for the Haldimand Tract, but today only approximately 48,000 acres (or 4.9%) remain in use by the people of Six Nations.

Throughout the past and in the present, this land is the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples. Before becoming a residential area in recent years, this land was used for farming.

Tips for Making a Name Suggestion

As a school board committed to Indigenous sovereignty, equity, and human rights, the naming of our schools is an important part of our commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces for all our students, staff and community members.

When making a name submission, it’s important to keep these things in mind:

  • WRDSB schools and facilities will no longer be named after individuals or family names
  • No WRDSB school or facility will be named after a corporation or business
  • Include background information and context as appropriate to support your suggestion
  • Only submissions that adhere to the WRDSB’s commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, equity and human rights will be considered
  • WRDSB schools and facilities should be given a name that is meaningful and reflects local historic events and/or places or distinguishing characteristics of the area

We invite you to make a suggestion by Friday, January 28, 2022.

What Happens Next?

All of the suggested names submitted will be reviewed by the Naming Committee. The committee will then select their top three choices, along with their one recommended name. The shortlist will then be presented to the Board of Trustees, who can choose to accept their recommendation or choose another one of the names in the top three.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the school naming process, please refer to the following: