Questions and Answers for Students
About the Closure of PCVS and the Transition Process
As part of the Peterborough Secondary School Consolidation Process, an Implementation Committee with student, staff and parent representation has been working together to support a positive transition process. This ‘Q and A’ page is meant to provide students with information that is important to them.
Additional questions can be asked by sending an e-mail to kpr_info@kprdsb.ca . Questions and responses will be posted to this web page.
1. Why is PCVS closing?
Through a school board review process, the decision was made to close PCVS because of declining enrolment in the City of Peterborough (900 fewer students over the past 10 years), which limits the program opportunities for all students. By moving students into the remaining four Peterborough schools, students will have access to more programs and extra-curricular activities. In addition to the number of students, other factors were considered, such as the size of the PCVS school site, and the school’s good location, which makes it a good choice for other uses.
2. Are any other Peterborough secondary schools closing?
No. There are no other Peterborough secondary schools under review.
3. Is PCVS being torn down?
No, PCVS will not be torn down. PCVS will continue to be an important part of Peterborough and the downtown community. It will be used for alternative education, which includes programs such as the Centre for Individual Studies (adult and continuing education), the School for Young Moms, and Basic Adult Literacy and Numeracy programs. We are also exploring options with interested community partners for use of the space.
4. What will happen to the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS?
The Integrated Arts Program, and students within that program, will move to Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.
5. What will happen to the teachers and staff at PCVS?
Teaching and staffing levels are determined by the number of students, and not the number of schools. There is a process underway to arrange for current PCVS staff to work at other schools.
6. What happens to the clubs at PCVS?
As part of the transition process, Peterborough secondary schools are interested in expanding their existing clubs and groups, to continue the positive work of PCVS students and staff. Where there is enough interest on the part of students, clubs and groups can be started or continued at any school. Students and staff at Thomas A. Stewart, Adam Scott, Crestwood and Kenner are all excited about expanding their clubs, groups and extra-curricular activities.
7. What happens to scholarships for PCVS students?
For the 2011-12 school year, PCVS students will be awarded current scholarships and awards. Future distribution of scholarships has not yet been decided, but the decision process will include consultation with existing donors.
8. What is being done to include PCVS students in their new schools' clubs, particularly where there are elected positions and criteria for eligibility?
Students and staff at Thomas A. Stewart, Adam Scott, Kenner and Crestwood want to create inclusive, welcoming environments for students from PCVS. Schools are putting plans together to encourage participation of PCVS students in clubs and groups, and also to reduce the barriers for any students who want to pursue elected positions in school groups, such as student council. At some schools, there will be specific positions created for PCVS students in order to encourage their participation and get their valuable input in student leadership and other school activities.
9.
Why can’t I get a bus to my new school?
The school board has policies that define the walk distances for students. Secondary students who live further than 3.2 km from their school are eligible for transportation. Students under this distance may apply to Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario for transportation and may be considered if there are available spaces on buses. For more information on busing, please contact STSCO.
10. What else is being done to make the transition process as smooth as possible.
A group of Peterborough secondary students have been meeting once a month to discuss ways to make the transition process as positive as possible. This Q and A resource is one of their ideas. School tours and visits, along with some fun community-building activities will occur this year and next to provide students with information and support.
11. Will I be eligible to play interschool sports at any school I attend next year?
PCVS students currently in Grades 9,10,11 and 12 attending TASSS (the designated school) would be eligible to participate in all sports.
PCVS students currently in Grades 9,10,11 and 12 not attending the designated school (TAS) must attend their home school to be eligible to participate in all sports.
Students who did not play a particular sport in the previous 12 months would be eligible to play that sport regardless of the school they attend.
Switching school boards or switching schools for a specific program (International Baccalaureate) makes students ineligible to play sports in which they participated in the previous 12 months unless they apply and are accepted under another section of the transfer policy - for information, please visit: www.ofsaa.on.ca/resources/forms
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