Changes to early years Ukrainian causing concern
RETSD to consolidate program’s K-6 classes at Prince Edward School starting 2020
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This article was published 14/02/2019 (2455 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Changes to the River East Transcona School Division’s Ukrainian language program has local parents concerned.
Starting in September 2020, all early years (Kindergarten to Grade 6) Ukrainian language students will attend Prince Edward School (649 Brazier St.). Currently, early years programming is offered at Bernie Wolfe Community School (95 Bournais Dr.) and Springfield Heights School (505 Sharron Bay S).
“The board frequently reviews boundary lines, as well as current and projected school enrolment numbers,” Kelly Barkman, superintendent of the RETSD, said in a statement. “In doing so, they found that both Bernie Wolfe and Springfield Heights were either at or nearing capacity and projected to be over capacity in the near future.”
Currently, class sizes in the early years program are small. At Bernie Wolfe, there are only 40 students enrolled from kindergarten through Grade 8. As a result, students from kindergarten through Grade 3 are in one classroom, while students from grade 4 through 8 are in another. At Springfield Heights, class sizes are slightly larger, with 57 students from K through Grade 5.
However, both Springfield Heights and Bernie Wolfe are at or near capacity, increasing demand for classroom space.
“By uniting the early years students, we intend to strengthen the program, creating a larger, more robust experience with an increase in peer-to-peer interactions,” Barkman said. “Closer proximity will provide staff with more opportunities to share resources and collaborate for their students’ benefit, and the tight-knit group of families involved in the program will have the chance to feel an even greater sense of community.”
A public meeting was held by the division at Prince Edward School on Feb. 11. Many parents attended, expressing their concerns and disappointment in the decision.
“They’re trying to make it sound like we have input, but the decision has been made,” said Candace Delorme, who attended the meeting.
“I understand that the program is small,” Delorme, whose daughter Madison is one of five Grade 3 students in the program at Bernie Wolfe Community School, added. “It’s not just the program. We love the program, but my daughter is also very attached to her school.”
Concerns were also raised regarding transportation. Barkman said that the division’s busing policy “will not change because of this plan.” Under the current policy, students who live over 1.6 kilometres away from Prince Edward School will qualify for busing. A transportation allowance will also be available or families living east of Lagimodiere Boulevard.
“All the Bernie Wolfe parents said without busing, we won’t be able to continue (in the program),” said Delorme, adding it is almost 10 kilometres from her house to Prince Edward School. For families like Delorme’s, there is also the question of before and after school care to take into account.
Despite the concerns raised, the division maintains the move will ultimately benefit the program.
“While change can present challenges, we’re confident the program, its students, and their families will benefit greatly as a result,” Barkman said.
“There’s such a strong Ukrainian community in Transcona, it would be a shame for this to be taken apart,” Delorme said. “When we told (our daughter) the news, you could see how heartbroken she was.”
Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist
Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112
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Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist
Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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