New names chosen for public elementary schools in Kitchener and Cambridge
WRDSB began renaming process for both schools in early 2023
Two elementary schools within the region's public school board have new names.
Trustees with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) approved the name changes Monday. The former Ryerson Public School in Cambridge becomes Blue Heron Public School and A.R. Kaufman Public School in Kitchener changes to Hillside Public School.
The name change is effective immediately.
"The school renaming process is a part of our commitment to making concrete changes in support of the calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission," the board said in a release.
The board began the renaming process for both schools in early 2023. The board said 34 names were suggested for the Cambridge school and more than 90 per cent of the school community participated in the consultation process.
"It was great to see the school community and our neighbours come together to help us choose a name that pays tribute to nature and our town," James Moszcelt, principal at Blue Heron Public School, said in a release.
Renaming for the Kitchener school received more than 82 suggestions and more than 60 per cent of the school community participated in the consultation.
Afrim Ficic, principal at Hillside Public School, was "grateful for the support we received from students, families and the community to come up with a new name that best reflects our school."
"Hillside reflects the natural landscape of our school, and through our consultation it was the clear choice for our community," Ficic said in the release.
The board said with signs and other school materials are expected to be updated by September.
