This page provides a summary of the important updates regarding the Program and Accommodation Review.
June 7, 2017
Letter from the Director of Education to Burlington families
Last night at the June 7, 2017 Board meeting, Halton District School Board trustees voted on the Director of Education’s recommendations in Report 17075 concerning the Burlington Secondary Program and Accommodation Review (PAR).
A number of recommendations were approved. One of the implications of the approved recommendations includes the creation of two comprehensive schools in Burlington, one in the north (M.M. Robinson High School) and one in the south (Nelson High School), both offering a full range of programs. This allows improved program options for all students, as well as allowing students with special needs to attend schools closer to home.
These are the recommendations approved by the Board of Trustees:
The Halton District School Board will close Robert Bateman High School, effective June 30, 2020.a) Effective September 1, 2019, the Halton District School Board will revise the existing catchment area for Robert Bateman High School to redirect English program students entering Grade 9 to Nelson High School.
b) Effective September 1, 2020, the Halton District School Board will revise the existing catchment area for Robert Bateman High School to redirect the Grade 10, 11 and 12 English program students to Nelson High School.
By delaying the closure of Robert Bateman High School to 2020, the implications for program changes and student moves outlined in Report 17075 have also been delayed by one year.
The Halton District School Board will close Lester B. Pearson High School, effective June 30, 2018.
a) Effective September 1, 2018, the Halton District School Board will revise the existing catchment area for Lester B. Pearson High School to redirect students to M.M. Robinson High School.
Beginning September 1, 2018, the Halton District School Board will revise the existing Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School French Immersion program boundary, to redirect students entering Grade 9 French Immersion to M.M. Robinson High School. French Immersion students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 will be grandparented at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School until graduation.
Beginning September 1, 2018, the Halton District School Board will revise the English program boundaries for Burlington Central High School to include the complete catchment area for Tecumseh Public School, redirecting Grade 9 English program students to Burlington Central High School. Grade 10, 11 and 12 English program students currently attending Nelson High School from this catchment area will be grandparented until graduation.
Beginning September 1, 2018, the Halton District School Board will designate the English and French Immersion catchment areas for the “Evergreen Community” to M.M. Robinson High School.
The Evergreen Community is located in north Burlington and currently has no residential development.
The Halton District School Board will investigate and explore a range of program opportunities for Aldershot High School. These may include a magnet school, a themed school, an alternative school, and/or an incubator school. A report regarding these program opportunities will be presented to the Board of Trustees by February 2018.
Trustees also approved a recommendation to engage affected and interested stakeholders in the development of a consultation and communications plan regarding the implementation of the PAR recommendations.
For more information about the implications of these decisions by the Board of Trustees, please refer to Report 17075 posted online.
I understand these changes may be unsettling for some students, parents, staff and community members. Many of you will have questions about the impact of these decisions. During the next school year, we will provide more information, detailed timelines and regular updates. We will continue to provide answers to questions in an open and transparent manner, and to post these answers on the Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca.
The transition and integration of students and staff to their new schools will be undertaken in a positive and supportive way. A Superintendent of Education will oversee the transition of students, programs, staff and resources. A transition plan will establish a committee which will include school and Board staff, as well as parent representation.
As stated at the Board meeting on June 7th, this Program Accommodation Review has been a difficult but necessary process for our Burlington school communities. I wish to thank and recognize the contributions of Board and school staffs, students, community members, as well as representatives of the PAR Committee. The engagement of all stakeholders was integral in coming to decisions that will best serve Burlington students moving forward.
June 2, 2017
Reminder regarding June 7 Board Meeting
The final decision on the recommendations in the Director’s Final Report for the Burlington Secondary Program Accommodation Review (PAR) is expected to be made by the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.
The report will be on the agenda for “decision” and will be discussed at the Board of Trustees meeting on:
Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Time: 7 pm
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (Boardroom), 2050 Guelph Line
The June 7th Board meeting is the final step in the PAR process and will signal the completion of the process. We anticipate high attendance at the June 7th Board of Trustees meeting and therefore remind all interested parents/guardians and members of the community of the following:
- The June 7th Board of Trustees meeting will be LIVE-STREAMED beginning at 7 pm so it can be viewed from home. The link to the live-streamed meeting will be on the Board’s website.
- Seating is limited in the Boardroom of the J.W. Singleton Centre. Therefore, we require that anyone wishing to attend the meeting in person pre-register through the online reservation system Eventbrite. The Eventbrite link will be activated on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 10 am. Only individuals who have pre-registered will be admitted.
- Additional audience capacity will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (Studio Theatre) for anyone who wishes to view the live-streamed meeting from that location. M.M. Robinson High School is located at 2425 Upper Middle Road (adjacent to the J.W. Singleton Centre).
May 25, 2017
Video from continuation of May 17 Board Meeting available online
The video recording from the continuation of the May 17, 2017 Board Meeting that took place on May 24, 2017 is available online. It can also be accessed through the Board Agenda and Minutes webpage. Note that the video may not be accessible on certain Chrome web browsers.
May 18, 2017
May 17 Board Meeting to continue on Wednesday, May 24
At the May 17, 2017 meeting of the Halton District School Board, trustees initiated discussion and asked questions for clarification regarding the Director’s Final Report on the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review (PAR) process. Trustees extended the meeting beyond 10 p.m. to allow additional questions and discussion, but there were still speakers on the list and questions to be asked when the Board opted to recess at 11:30 p.m. and reconvene next week.
Given the June 7 timeframe for the PAR to come to the Board for consideration, trustees opted to utilize the Wednesday, May 24, 2017 meeting date for a continuation of the Board meeting, allowing additional discussion on the PAR report. The May 24 meeting will begin at 6 pm, and will take place at the J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line).
Note: As the May 25 meeting is a continuation of the May 17 Board meeting, those people who pre-registered online through Eventbrite for the May 17 meeting are also invited to attend this meeting.
Video from May 17 Board Meeting available online
The video recording from the May 17, 2017 Board Meeting is available online. It can also be accessed through the Board Agenda and Minutes webpage. Note that the video may not be accessible on certain Chrome web browsers.
May 12, 2017
Video from May 11 Public Delegation Night available online
The video recording from the May11, 2017 Public Delegation Night is available online. It can also be accessed through the Board Agenda and Minutes webpage. Note that the video may not be accessible on certain Chrome web browsers.
May 10, 2017
Delegates for May 11 Public Delegation Night announced
The list of delegates for the Public Delegation Night on Thursday May 11, 2017 has been announced.
May 9, 2017
Video from May 8 Public Delegation Night available online
The video recording from the May 8, 2017 Public Delegation Night is available online. It can also be accessed through the Board Agenda and Minutes webpage. Note that the video may not be accessible on certain Chrome web browsers.
May 5, 2017
Delegates for May 8 Public Delegation Night announced
The list of delegates for the Public Delegation Night on Monday May 8, 2017 has been announced.
April 27, 2017
Video from Committee of the Whole meeting available online
The video recording from the April 26, 2017 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the Director's Final Report is available online. It can also be accessed through the Board Committee Agenda and Minutes webpage. Note that the video may not be accessible on certain Chrome web browsers.
April 21, 2017
Director's Final Report released
The Director’s Final Report is available online. The recommendations within this report will be presented to Trustees at the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday April 26, 2017.
The Glossary of Planning Terms and the Glossary of Secondary School Program Terms may be helpful when reviewing this report.
April 18, 2017
Additional information available regarding upcoming dates
Wednesday April 26, 2017 (6 pm) - Director’s Final Report will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line, Burlington).
- The Committee of the Whole meeting will be live-streamed beginning at 6 pm so it can be viewed from home. The link will be posted on the HDSB website homepage at www.hdsb.ca
- Seating is limited in the Boardroom’s public gallery at the J.W. Singleton Centre. Therefore, individuals who wish to attend the meeting in person must pre-register. A link will be available on the Board website to an online reservation system. This link will be activated on Monday April 24, 2017 at 10 am.
- Additional audience capacity will be available at M.M. Robinson High School to view the webcast from that location.
Address: 2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre (adjacent to the J.W. Singleton Centre).
Monday May 8, 2017 (6 pm) - Public Delegation Night #1. These evenings will be live-streamed on the Board website.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line). Seating priority in the Boardroom will be given to delegates.
- Community members may watch the webcast from home or may view it at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
- Note: Monday, April 17, 2017 - First date to submit an online Delegation Request Form for the May 8 Delegation Night.
Thursday May 11 (6 pm) - Public Delegation Night #2. These evenings will be live-streamed on the Board website.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line). Seating priority in the Boardroom will be given to delegates.
- Community members may watch the webcast from home or may view it at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
- Note: Thursday, April 20, 2017 - First date to submit online Delegation Request Form for the May 11 Delegation Night.
Wednesday May 17, 2017 (7 pm) - Board meeting. Final Report to Board of Trustees for “information”. Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line). If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
Wednesday June 7, 2017 (7 pm) - Board meeting. Final Report to Board of Trustees for “decision”. Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line). If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
March 24, 2017
Additional working meeting added
An additional PARC working meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 pm on March 27, 2017 at J.W. Singleton Education Centre.
March 23, 2017
Upcoming dates for the PAR have been revised
In consideration of the time commitment provided by the members of the PAR Committee, community and in respect of the complexity of the PAR process, the following dates have been revised.
Friday April 21, 2017 - Director’s Final Report released online at www.hdsb.ca in the agenda package for Committee of the Whole.
Wednesday April 26, 2017 (6 pm) - Director’s Final Report will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line, Burlington).
This meeting will be live-streamed on the Board website. If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
Monday May 8, 2017 (6 pm) - Public Delegation Night. These evenings will be live-streamed on the Board website.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line).
Seating priority in the Boardroom will be given to delegates. If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
Note: Monday, April 17, 2017 - First date to submit online Delegation Request Form for the May 8 Delegation Night.
Thursday May 11 (6 pm) - Public Delegation Night. These evenings will be live-streamed on the Board website.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line).
Seating priority in the Boardroom will be given to delegates. If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
Note: Thursday, April 20, 2017 - First date to submit online Delegation Request Form for the May 11 Delegation Night.
Wednesday May 17, 2017 (7 pm) - Board meeting. Final Report to Board of Trustees for “information”.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line). If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
Wednesday June 7, 2017 (7 pm) - Board meeting. Final Report to Board of Trustees for “decision”.
Location: J.W. Singleton Centre (2050 Guelph Line). If additional audience capacity is required, it will be available at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Road, Studio Theatre).
March 2, 2017
Additional PARC Working Meeting has been scheduled
An additional PARC Working Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday March 21, 2017. For meeting times and locations, please see Process Timelines.
February 27, 2017
An online survey is now available to provide feedback on the remaining six options
Parents/guardians, students and community members are invited to provide feedback regarding the six (6) remaining options being considered by the Program and Accommodation Review Committee. For more information regarding the survey and to access the survey, please see Public Meetings. The six options can be viewed at the two public meetings scheduled, as well as online under Public Meetings or Options.
February 24, 2017
Public Meeting #2 will be an open house
Parents/guardians, students and community members are invited to attend the two public meetings scheduled to review and provide feedback on the remaining options for the Burlington Secondary Program Accommodation and Review (PAR) process. These public meetings will be an open house format with individual stations attended by staff members who can answer questions about the remaining options. For times and details, please visit Public Meetings.
February 4, 2017
Additional PARC Working Meeting has been scheduled
An additional PARC Working Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday February 16, 2017. For meeting times and locations, please see Process Timelines.
January 30, 2017
Reminder regarding Public Meeting #2
Parents, students and community members are invited to attend one of two public meetings for the Burlington PAR process. The same information will be presented at both meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to share the work of the PAR Committee to date and to explain the process for gathering further community input. For meeting times and locations, please see Public Meetings or Process Timelines.
January 26, 2017
Public Meeting #2 date for South Burlington schools has changed
Public Meeting #2 for South Burlington schools has been changed to Tuesday, March 7, 2016. The date for North Burlington schools remains Tuesday, February 28, 2017. For more information, please see Public Meetings or Process Timelines.
November 29, 2016
Agenda for Public Meeting #1 available and members of the public invited to pre-register
The agenda for the first public meeting, scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 8, 2016 is now available in Public Meetings. The meeting is open to the public, however, to assist with planning for this meeting, we request that parents, students, community members pre-register. Pre-registration will provide more accurate attendance numbers for organizing the meeting. For more information, please see Public Meetings.
November 9, 2016
First public meeting set to discuss Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review (PAR)
The Board has scheduled its first public meeting to present information regarding the Burlington Secondary Schools Program and Accommodation Review (PAR) at New Street Education Centre on Thursday, December 8, 2016. Parents/guardians, students and members of the public are invited to attend this meeting. The purpose of the first public meeting is to present an overview of the Program and Accommodation Review Committee (PARC) orientation session; the Director’s Preliminary Report with Recommended Option 19; and, presentation of the School Information Profiles (SIPs). For more information, please see Public Meetings.
November 1, 2016
Parents/guardians invited to express interest in becoming a member of the Program and Accommodation Review Committee (PARC)
An Expression of Interest form is available on our website for parents/guardians to express interest in joining the PARC. The deadline for submissions is 9:00 am on Friday, November 18, 2016. If you are selected to become a member of the PARC, the Board will contact you by email before the PARC orientation session on Thursday, December 1, 2016.
October 27, 2016
Open Letter sent to Burlington secondary students
The Director of Education has shared an Open Letter to all Burlington secondary school students which explains the initiated Program and Accommodation Review and provides information on the supplementary information sessions.
October 19, 2016
Director’s Preliminary Report approved
The recommendations in the Director’s Preliminary Report on the Undertaking of a Program and Accommodation Review for Burlington Secondary Schools were approved by the Board of Trustees on October 19, 2016, which initiates the PAR process. More information is available in Board Reports.
Board schedules supplementary Information Sessions
The Board has scheduled supplementary information sessions for each school community independent of the standard PAR process. These sessions will take place from Tuesday, November 1, 2016 to Tuesday, November 15, 2016. A live online Question and Answer session is also scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2016. Additional information is available in Board Reports.