February 2nd, 2023

Raptor Nation,

As a school board committed to Truth and Reconciliation, reviewing the names of our schools is an important part of our commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces for all our students and staff.

The current name of this school site does not align with the Board’s commitment to Indigenous rights, human rights, anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-discrimination and equitable and inclusive education. For more information about the process of renaming a school site please review Administrative Procedure 4865 on the board’s website.

The school renaming committee wants to hear from you!

This is a call to students, parents, family members, members of the WRDSB community, and beyond to participate in the renaming of our school site located at 749 Grand Valley Dr. in Cambridge.

Please note the following considerations when suggesting a name. These guidelines are set out in Administrative Procedure 4865 and will be used by the school renaming committee:

  • As of June 2021, WRDSB schools and facilities will not be named after individuals or families
  • WRDSB schools and facilities shall be given a name that is meaningful, reflects local historic events and/or places and distinguishing characteristics of the area
  • Only submissions that adhere to the WRDSB’s commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, equity and human rights will be considered
  • In no case will any school or facility be named after a corporation or business

In particular, we want to reach out to Indigenous communities who have been harmed by the legacy of Adolphus Egerton Ryerson. We want to honour the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today and work towards reconciliation.

Please submit a name suggestion by completing the google form HERE by February 24th.

What Happens Next?

In February, all of the suggested names submitted will be reviewed by the Renaming Committee, and a shortlist that meets the naming criteria will be shared with our community for further input.

Once public consultation is complete, the committee will select their top three choices, along with their one recommended name. This shortlist will then be brought forward to the Board of Trustees, who can choose to accept their recommendation or choose another of the other top three names instead.

Questions?

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