On May 1, 2023 families within the HRCE Woodlawn family of schools were notified of the below changes:

• Alderney Elementary: will change from a PP-6 to a PP-5. Grade 6 will move to Ellenvale Junior High. 
• Brookhouse Elementary: will change from PP-6 to a PP-5. Grade 6 will move to Ellenvale Junior High. 
• Portland Estates Elementary: will change from Grades PP-6 to Grades PP-5. Grade 6 will move to Ellenvale Junior High.
• Ellenvale Junior High: will change from Grades 7-9 to Grades 6-9 for English, will remain Grades 7-9 for French Immersion. Will receive Grade 6 from Alderney Elementary, Brookhouse Elementary and Portland Estates Elementary. 

The decision to move Grade 6 students out of these three schools without consulting parents and communities is unacceptable. This is especially concerning because the transition from childhood to adolescence during sixth grade is a critical time in a child's education, and any changes made to their learning environment should be carefully considered. Having been through the challenges posed by COVID-19 in the past several years, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of our children. The schools have already seen the consequences of these challenges, and now more than ever it is crucial to provide students with stability and support. By moving students out of these schools, we are risking the disruption of their learning and social development. It is imperative that this decision is reconsidered, and parents and communities are consulted to ensure that the best interests of our children are upheld.

As parents and community members, we have a responsibility to ensure that our children's welfare is always at the forefront of any decision-making process. It is the HRCE administration's duty to make decisions that are transparent, inclusive, and consistent with the principles of good governance, especially when it comes to our most vulnerable students.