Metrolinx meeting leaves residents with more questions: The Villager
* LISA RAINFORD
* May 28, 2010 - 4:36 PM
Community members who attended Metrolinx's meeting to update the public on its electrification study of the Georgetown Corridor were left scratching their heads when they learned that the provincial transportation agency's analysis introduced other alternative technologies, such as bio-diesel fuel and natural gas, among others.
"It's not clear how this study will affect people in this room," said Clean Train Coalition spokesperson Keith Brook as the audience, who had gathered at the Lithuanian Hall on Bloor Street West. "We're so pro-electrification; you're looking at nine different technologies. The study is so massive. When will we get reasonable information that will affect people in this room?"
Initiated in January of this year, Metrolinx's electrification study, which is expected to be completed in December, is considering the potential benefits and costs associated with replacing diesel with electric propulsion for GO trains in the future. It takes into account the entire GO Transit rail system, comprised of seven corridors.
"There have been many previous studies GO has taken on electrification, but this is the first study that's looked at all seven corridors," said Karen Pitre, project director of the Metrolinx Electrification Study. "We have a process put in place by the Metrolinx board of directors. It's a more comprehensive study."
It goes beyond cost-benefit analysis, said Pitre, and includes environmental and health impacts, community, land and economic use impacts.
Developed by Metrolinx, the study is being guided by advice from a multi-stakeholder community advisory committee and is being led in conjunction with Delcan Corporation and Arup Group Inc. It is the first step towards the possible electrification of GO's rail system. Upon completion, the study will provide Metrolinx's board of directors with information needed to determine how its trains will be powered, whether by electricity or Tier 4 diesel or by other means, according to Pitre.
"Should electrification be found to be the better option, we want to make sure there's an implementation plan," she said.
There is preliminary work that GO Transit must do whether electrification is implemented or not, like designing and building new infrastructure and upgrading the signal systems.
"The existing network is quite complex between operating GO trains and freight trains. We have to also accommodate VIA trains," said Roger Wood of ARUP Consulting Group. "We've started to look at technology options, network options and the cost implications of electrifying each of the corridors."
"Who will make the decision on what technology is used?" asked Clean Train Coalition Co-Chair Mike Sullivan.
The purpose of the study is not to make any recommendations, said Pitre.
Sullivan questioned the transparency of the study.
"How is this transparent if we haven't seen any output yet? We can't see any of it," he said. â?¨Pitre assured him that it's on its way.
"It's been a lot of work to collect data. It's coming from different sources. It takes us a while. It hasn't been sitting in some private office," she said.
Sullivan said the community is concerned that Metrolinx is making electrification look so expensive that no government will want to take it on.
"It looks like you're trying to make electrification too expensive," he said, to a roomful of applause.
Time is of the essence, said former Parkdale-High Park MP Peggy Nash, a local resident. There are many young children who live along the rail corridor, she pointed out, some of them living with asthma.
"The Toronto Medical Officer of Health has already condemned this line," she said.
Kevin McCarthy, who lives on Dundas Street West, not far from the train tracks, wanted to know if he should sell his house now or wait until Metrolinx has finished its work along the Georgetown line.
"I think you have a crisis of confidence," he said. "You have to deal with the fact that people are lacking trust."
It seemed to me that the audience at this meeting knew more about public transit than the Metrolinx staff did. Considering they are halfway through their study they did not seem to have many answers and in some cases seemed uninformed. I am amazed how little work seems to have been done at this juncture.
I have dealt with all these staff before and they are not bad people but it seems to me that the "electrification study" (which is not about implementing electric but comparing different technologies) is really an attempt to keep the more motivated and concerned citizens busy while Metrolinx runs out the clock. Nobody is demanding more diesel and everybody, including Metrolinx Engineers, wants to go electric. So why study anything else?
As usual Tony Ruprecht was not in attendance and that says a lot about where the buck stops in terms of Metrolinx.
When there are meetings, the number of residents versus the outcome of attendance is lacking!
We are all aware that this website does not represent the majority of the community.
It is always the same voices/same group of people (including myself) doing projects to better the community. More voices need to be heard.
I've had many discussions with parents in this school and some support it and some don't.
I've given them Maria Rodrigues contact info and advised them to spread the word to their neighbors.
So my suggestion with this Jack, is that your inform those parents/residents that will support this to write Maria.
I was speaking at Centennial and the students there did not seem too keen on the Wallace facility as it was way too far from their campus, teachers, and friends on Pape.
That is correct!
The last principal was very challenging and agreed or supported very little so great opportunities were missed. EYC being one of them.
Perth had a difficult year and enrollment numbers dropped as many parents pulled their children out as a result of this.
I took on the challenge of getting a much deserved person to benefit this school and I have to say is that "she is here!"
In the past, Perth was a stomping ground for new principals to try out and now you have an experienced principal that is committed to this school and has begun bringing in new programs to benefit the kids. This is a great opportunity for parents to bring their kids back to the school as Perth has a lot to offer
Go in and speak to Janice or call 416-393-1410 to inquire about the school.
Come to our festival fundraiser (for Perth P.S.) on June 17, after school and pick up a pamphlet/brochure about Perth.
Bottom line- More children enrolled, less opportunity for the school to shut down.
I thought Perth School already had early years or a daycare. The daycare at perth is one of 3 daycares in one. Perth, Carlton Village and General Mercer public school on Turnberry Rd.
What about the empty school on Franklin street, St Josephat Ukrainian School that the Boys and Girls club was looking into. Can they not clean it up and make that into a Early years???
I just wanted to make a comment about other uses for Perth School. Last year the Early Years Centre that used to be on Randolph was looking for a new location and approached Perth. The Principal at the time did not agree with this suggestion and it was picked up by Pauline P.S. The centre is always full and it helps the community become familiar with their local school. It wouldn't hurt Pauline's location one bit if a second location was picked up at Perth. All that is needed is a spare classroom and use of a kitchen. I know some parents in our area who do not currently go to Pauline because of the distance and would totally benefit from a second location at Perth.
Centinennial College is leaving the neighbourhood and vacating their location on Wallace Avenue at the end of June. Plans for the College's first satellite location with a media innovation centre at the Wallace Studios has not worked out. No new facilities were built here and no classes were ever offered. The Wallace studio has simply continued to operate over the past three years as a rental location. One of the existing tenants, a lighting company, will continue to manage the studios and nothing is expected to change other than the sign.
I attended the event and considering the Electrification Study is half finished there weren't a lot of answers. I heard these responses more than once from Metrolinx staff: "we're not looking at that", "that's not part of the study", "we'll take that under advisement", "we don't have that information yet", "we'll be looking at that soon"...
People don't like this plan and they know it. Thursday nights meeting didn't help. The study will make no recommendations nor trigger any action, and it's not clear at all how the Airport link is part of the study. This thing is costing us $4 million, if it stays on budget.
I am currently working with Maria Rodrigues office right now trying to secure Kent School for the Mayor's Debate in September, 2010. Many of us don't want to see Kent or any other school closed. Donna, Chair of Dig In suggested that maybe having the Mayor's debate at Kent School, can bring some attention about the closing of the schools in Ward18/Davenport.
Maria's Rodrigues is all we have, so work with what you have. Can Carla set up a meeting at Perth School with the new Principal, the Trustee and residents. To see how we can get French Immersion at Perth.
But you would need to get more then the parents that you have now, that are other parents and residents in this neighbourhood who would support this, like myself. Just a suggestion.
Irmina, there are pro's and con's to Senior schools(gr 7 & 8) some parents like it, others don't. I support it and I think the opition should be there for families who want it. I know many of my son's exclass mates who are doing well, so is my son. I remember meeting Gerry Connelly at the TDSB building when my son got the "George J. Bassel- Citizenship Award" few years back. Very nice person
But with these economic times, specially in our ward/riding is becoming even more scarce. JF
According to the Principal, there is extra physical space at Perth, to accommodate BOTH French Immersion and grades 7 and 8. Speaking from personal experience, my sister and I went to a K to 8 junior school and didn't find the transition to highschool difficult. Perhaps it all depends on each child's personality and level of maturity on how they transition both in junior high and highschool.
There are pros and cons from both sides of the debate. Here is a link from "The Campaign for Public Education", a Toronto group fighting for better public education.
"There is definite research that the more transitions a student makes, the greater their chance of less success in school," said Gerry Connelly, the board's director of education. "Transitions matter."
She said the board should do whatever it can to decrease the number of times students need to switch schools. "And we find in this board that the most vulnerable students are often making the most transitions."
...
The research is mixed; some has shown better test scores among students in K-8 schools, others no difference. A study of Philadelphia's system, however, found that students felt safer and better about themselves if they'd been in a K-8 school. Other studies have found fewer discipline problems among Grade 6 students in K-8 schools compared with middle schools
"The problems with middle schools, some researchers say, is that children arrive from various feeder schools and are preoccupied with finding their place in a new school."
With Kent slated to close there are fewer options for the students of Perth. Their filter school is Carlton Village. I know some parents who put their children in St. Luigi's because they didn't want them going to Carlton Village. The TDSB is in favour of fewer transitions for the children and are in support of K- 8 schools. In the event that Kent does close Brock and Dovercourt will be transformed into k-8 schools. Too bad we didn't have more Perth parents out voicing their opinion of Kent being closed. If adding grades 7 and 8 increase enrolment then it may be a good idea to look at it. However, coverting a school from k-6 to k-8 is not that simple. The gym needs to be enlarged, there needs to be enough room for science and technology lags and there needs to be enough room to expand the library. What I would really love to see is the removal of the portables, some greening of the school yard and a playground added for the older grades. Adding French Immersion seems the easier option.
Irmina, It's been 4 yrs since my son left Perth to go to Kent. If I remember correctly been in the Parent Council for 4 yrs, the enrolment was down every year, losing teachers and having more split classes, which kids hated.
The other thing is St. Luigi's numbers were getting higher, that is the reason why the 3rd floor of Perth School was given to St. Luigi's students. I heard they signed a contract for many years. I was apposed to this long term deal. As you never know how the dynamics of a community might change.
Personally, I favour Senior schools(7 & 8). It makes the transition from Elementary to High School a lot easyer. Now, are all French Immersion Schools from Jr-K to gr 8 in all there schools.
I would support French Immersion if the demand was there. Meeting the community's needs. I would think Maria the Trustee would support this to. JF
If more parents feel strongly about campaigning for French Immersion AND expanding Perth PS to include grades 7 and 8 foremost because it will revitalize our neighbourhood school and encourage more JT families to support it; then perhaps we should coordinate a more focused approach so our collective voices WILL BE HEARD.
I would be curious to find out how many parents would be interested in helping put together something to get the word out, beyond this forum. More voices and louder voices are definitely needed to spread the word and get the Trustee's and the Superintendent's attention.
Also, with all the new homes being built in the area, it would benefit all those upcoming residents with families, who are waiting to move into their new homes, to join in the campaign.
What are other people's thoughts?
If some prefer a less public forum to voice your thoughts about this subject matter, please send an email to info@junctiontriangle.ca, subject line stating "Revitalizing our Neighbourhood School" and the message will be forwarded to me.
I am thrilled to hear that there may be some movement around encouraging more children in the neighbourhood to attend Perth PS. When we moved into the neighbourhood I was so disappointed to hear that a lot of families send their kids outside the area to different schools.
Although I don't necessarily want/need my daughter to attend a FI program, I will write to support it as I believe that this will encourage more families in the neighbourhood to send their kids to Perth. I think it makes obvious sense to have Perth go to grade 8. As a person who grew up in the suburbs and stayed in elementary school until grade 8, I think it's a much better option than kids having to change schools.
Thanks for posting this Irmina, along with the links to who we can write to. I plan to do so. It would be wonderful to see Perth Avenue Public School get a French Immersion program, and the idea of keeping the kids in the neighbourhood all the way to grade 8 is particularly appealing.
This morning, I was at Perth PS for a JK orientation, for my little guy, and just so happen ended up speaking with the new principal, Janice Robinson. So, this for all you would-be-French-Immersion parents who now have toddlers and want a program in the neighbourhood.
She wanted to make it clear that, as much as she will be supportive and may want a FI program at Perth PS, she cannot start a FI program. The DEMAND has to come from the neighbourhood PARENTS. Ms. Robinson says that there is definitely room for a FI program in the school and she is encouraging as many parents as possible to contact Trustee Maria Rodrigues and Superintendent Manon Gardner. If there is enough pressure from the parents' side and (hint, hint), if Maria Rodrigues wants to be re-elected, then power to the people.
Moreover, Ms. Robinson would like to expand Perth PS to include grades 7 and 8, as it now only goes up to grade 6. Regal Road only goes up to grade 6 too and if Perth gets a FI program AND expands to include grades 7 and 8, then current Regal Road students in FI, who actually live in the JT, will have an option to go back to Perth PS before highschool. Currently, Regal Road FI students filter to Winona Drive Senior PS to continue on in the program.
Everything from FI to expanding into grades 7 and 8 boils down into a numbers game. We as parents must prove there is enough children to sustain it all. More voices need to be heard and who knows perhaps by the time today's toddlers are five years old, they will have the option of going to Perth PS for French Immersion.
Just noticed this morning that Google has finally updated their maps for this area.
Some corrections I noticed:
Entire length of Rankin Cres. is now represented (used to not have the section between Paton and Wallace)
Wallace Ave. Pedestrian bridge is now there. If you choose "Walking" directions, it will even guide you over it if appropriate.
Paton Rd. is properly closed-off at the railway tracks, although they don't account for the stub that was recently added to Erwin Krickhahn Park.
Some laneway updates
More road / laneway details around Merchant Lane / Ruttan St. / Sterling Rd. Lofts.
Unfortunately they still have the incorrect "Silverthorne" label for this neighbourhood! Also, too bad they didn't add the West Toronto Railpath as another pedestrian/cycling corridor.
I've done it 3 times in the past. Last year I did the 75KM for the 1st time. Amazing views of the city (bring a camera if you want). Should be warmer this year then last, thats for sure.
Can't partake this year unfortunately, have a baby on the way and too much work to do.
I will be definitely riding next year. For me the start and finish is my house (literally).
Anyhow, good luck to everyone riding. Have fun, and be safe.
Word of advice ease up on the DVP access ramp (brutal wipeouts there).
Thinking about it, but it might be a bit of a last-minute decision for me. It's a nice ride down to the starting area from here, especially early in the morning! :)
The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.
The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference.
The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference.
And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.
– Elie Wiesel
Metrolinx meeting leaves residents with more questions: The Villager
* LISA RAINFORD
* May 28, 2010 - 4:36 PM
Community members who attended Metrolinx's meeting to update the public on its electrification study of the Georgetown Corridor were left scratching their heads when they learned that the provincial transportation agency's analysis introduced other alternative technologies, such as bio-diesel fuel and natural gas, among others.
"It's not clear how this study will affect people in this room," said Clean Train Coalition spokesperson Keith Brook as the audience, who had gathered at the Lithuanian Hall on Bloor Street West. "We're so pro-electrification; you're looking at nine different technologies. The study is so massive. When will we get reasonable information that will affect people in this room?"
Initiated in January of this year, Metrolinx's electrification study, which is expected to be completed in December, is considering the potential benefits and costs associated with replacing diesel with electric propulsion for GO trains in the future. It takes into account the entire GO Transit rail system, comprised of seven corridors.
"There have been many previous studies GO has taken on electrification, but this is the first study that's looked at all seven corridors," said Karen Pitre, project director of the Metrolinx Electrification Study. "We have a process put in place by the Metrolinx board of directors. It's a more comprehensive study."
It goes beyond cost-benefit analysis, said Pitre, and includes environmental and health impacts, community, land and economic use impacts.
Developed by Metrolinx, the study is being guided by advice from a multi-stakeholder community advisory committee and is being led in conjunction with Delcan Corporation and Arup Group Inc. It is the first step towards the possible electrification of GO's rail system. Upon completion, the study will provide Metrolinx's board of directors with information needed to determine how its trains will be powered, whether by electricity or Tier 4 diesel or by other means, according to Pitre.
"Should electrification be found to be the better option, we want to make sure there's an implementation plan," she said.
There is preliminary work that GO Transit must do whether electrification is implemented or not, like designing and building new infrastructure and upgrading the signal systems.
"The existing network is quite complex between operating GO trains and freight trains. We have to also accommodate VIA trains," said Roger Wood of ARUP Consulting Group. "We've started to look at technology options, network options and the cost implications of electrifying each of the corridors."
"Who will make the decision on what technology is used?" asked Clean Train Coalition Co-Chair Mike Sullivan.
The purpose of the study is not to make any recommendations, said Pitre.
Sullivan questioned the transparency of the study.
"How is this transparent if we haven't seen any output yet? We can't see any of it," he said. â?¨Pitre assured him that it's on its way.
"It's been a lot of work to collect data. It's coming from different sources. It takes us a while. It hasn't been sitting in some private office," she said.
Sullivan said the community is concerned that Metrolinx is making electrification look so expensive that no government will want to take it on.
"It looks like you're trying to make electrification too expensive," he said, to a roomful of applause.
Time is of the essence, said former Parkdale-High Park MP Peggy Nash, a local resident. There are many young children who live along the rail corridor, she pointed out, some of them living with asthma.
"The Toronto Medical Officer of Health has already condemned this line," she said.
Kevin McCarthy, who lives on Dundas Street West, not far from the train tracks, wanted to know if he should sell his house now or wait until Metrolinx has finished its work along the Georgetown line.
"I think you have a crisis of confidence," he said. "You have to deal with the fact that people are lacking trust."
For more details, questions or concerns, visit www.gotransit.com/estudy
It seemed to me that the audience at this meeting knew more about public transit than the Metrolinx staff did. Considering they are halfway through their study they did not seem to have many answers and in some cases seemed uninformed. I am amazed how little work seems to have been done at this juncture.
I have dealt with all these staff before and they are not bad people but it seems to me that the "electrification study" (which is not about implementing electric but comparing different technologies) is really an attempt to keep the more motivated and concerned citizens busy while Metrolinx runs out the clock. Nobody is demanding more diesel and everybody, including Metrolinx Engineers, wants to go electric. So why study anything else?
As usual Tony Ruprecht was not in attendance and that says a lot about where the buck stops in terms of Metrolinx.
When there are meetings, the number of residents versus the outcome of attendance is lacking!
We are all aware that this website does not represent the majority of the community.
It is always the same voices/same group of people (including myself) doing projects to better the community. More voices need to be heard.
I've had many discussions with parents in this school and some support it and some don't.
I've given them Maria Rodrigues contact info and advised them to spread the word to their neighbors.
So my suggestion with this Jack, is that your inform those parents/residents that will support this to write Maria.
Irmina has posted the contact info on the site.
I was speaking at Centennial and the students there did not seem too keen on the Wallace facility as it was way too far from their campus, teachers, and friends on Pape.
Hi,
That is correct!
The last principal was very challenging and agreed or supported very little so great opportunities were missed. EYC being one of them.
Perth had a difficult year and enrollment numbers dropped as many parents pulled their children out as a result of this.
I took on the challenge of getting a much deserved person to benefit this school and I have to say is that "she is here!"
In the past, Perth was a stomping ground for new principals to try out and now you have an experienced principal that is committed to this school and has begun bringing in new programs to benefit the kids.
This is a great opportunity for parents to bring their kids back to the school as Perth has a lot to offer
Go in and speak to Janice or call 416-393-1410 to inquire about the school.
Come to our festival fundraiser (for Perth P.S.) on June 17, after school and pick up a pamphlet/brochure about Perth.
Bottom line- More children enrolled, less opportunity for the school to shut down.
I thought Perth School already had early years or a daycare. The daycare at perth is one of 3 daycares in one. Perth, Carlton Village and General Mercer public school on Turnberry Rd.
What about the empty school on Franklin street, St Josephat Ukrainian School that the Boys and Girls club was looking into. Can they not clean it up and make that into a Early years???
I just wanted to make a comment about other uses for Perth School. Last year the Early Years Centre that used to be on Randolph was looking for a new location and approached Perth. The Principal at the time did not agree with this suggestion and it was picked up by Pauline P.S. The centre is always full and it helps the community become familiar with their local school. It wouldn't hurt Pauline's location one bit if a second location was picked up at Perth. All that is needed is a spare classroom and use of a kitchen. I know some parents in our area who do not currently go to Pauline because of the distance and would totally benefit from a second location at Perth.
Centinennial College is leaving the neighbourhood and vacating their location on Wallace Avenue at the end of June. Plans for the College's first satellite location with a media innovation centre at the Wallace Studios has not worked out. No new facilities were built here and no classes were ever offered. The Wallace studio has simply continued to operate over the past three years as a rental location. One of the existing tenants, a lighting company, will continue to manage the studios and nothing is expected to change other than the sign.
I attended the event and considering the Electrification Study is half finished there weren't a lot of answers. I heard these responses more than once from Metrolinx staff: "we're not looking at that", "that's not part of the study", "we'll take that under advisement", "we don't have that information yet", "we'll be looking at that soon"...
People don't like this plan and they know it. Thursday nights meeting didn't help. The study will make no recommendations nor trigger any action, and it's not clear at all how the Airport link is part of the study. This thing is costing us $4 million, if it stays on budget.
Jeff
I am currently working with Maria Rodrigues office right now trying to secure Kent School for the Mayor's Debate in September, 2010. Many of us don't want to see Kent or any other school closed. Donna, Chair of Dig In suggested that maybe having the Mayor's debate at Kent School, can bring some attention about the closing of the schools in Ward18/Davenport.
Maria's Rodrigues is all we have, so work with what you have. Can Carla set up a meeting at Perth School with the new Principal, the Trustee and residents. To see how we can get French Immersion at Perth.
But you would need to get more then the parents that you have now, that are other parents and residents in this neighbourhood who would support this, like myself. Just a suggestion.
Irmina, there are pro's and con's to Senior schools(gr 7 & 8) some parents like it, others don't. I support it and I think the opition should be there for families who want it. I know many of my son's exclass mates who are doing well, so is my son. I remember meeting Gerry Connelly at the TDSB building when my son got the "George J. Bassel- Citizenship Award" few years back. Very nice person
But with these economic times, specially in our ward/riding is becoming even more scarce. JF
Unfortunately, there is NO other candidates running for Trustee position in our TDSB Ward 9.
According to the Principal, there is extra physical space at Perth, to accommodate BOTH French Immersion and grades 7 and 8. Speaking from personal experience, my sister and I went to a K to 8 junior school and didn't find the transition to highschool difficult. Perhaps it all depends on each child's personality and level of maturity on how they transition both in junior high and highschool.
There are pros and cons from both sides of the debate. Here is a link from "The Campaign for Public Education", a Toronto group fighting for better public education.
This is an excerpt from an article on their web site:
"There is definite research that the more transitions a student makes, the greater their chance of less success in school," said Gerry Connelly, the board's director of education. "Transitions matter."
She said the board should do whatever it can to decrease the number of times students need to switch schools. "And we find in this board that the most vulnerable students are often making the most transitions."
...
The research is mixed; some has shown better test scores among students in K-8 schools, others no difference. A study of Philadelphia's system, however, found that students felt safer and better about themselves if they'd been in a K-8 school. Other studies have found fewer discipline problems among Grade 6 students in K-8 schools compared with middle schools
"The problems with middle schools, some researchers say, is that children arrive from various feeder schools and are preoccupied with finding their place in a new school."
With Kent slated to close there are fewer options for the students of Perth. Their filter school is Carlton Village. I know some parents who put their children in St. Luigi's because they didn't want them going to Carlton Village. The TDSB is in favour of fewer transitions for the children and are in support of K- 8 schools. In the event that Kent does close Brock and Dovercourt will be transformed into k-8 schools. Too bad we didn't have more Perth parents out voicing their opinion of Kent being closed. If adding grades 7 and 8 increase enrolment then it may be a good idea to look at it. However, coverting a school from k-6 to k-8 is not that simple. The gym needs to be enlarged, there needs to be enough room for science and technology lags and there needs to be enough room to expand the library. What I would really love to see is the removal of the portables, some greening of the school yard and a playground added for the older grades. Adding French Immersion seems the easier option.
Irmina, It's been 4 yrs since my son left Perth to go to Kent. If I remember correctly been in the Parent Council for 4 yrs, the enrolment was down every year, losing teachers and having more split classes, which kids hated.
The other thing is St. Luigi's numbers were getting higher, that is the reason why the 3rd floor of Perth School was given to St. Luigi's students. I heard they signed a contract for many years. I was apposed to this long term deal. As you never know how the dynamics of a community might change.
Personally, I favour Senior schools(7 & 8). It makes the transition from Elementary to High School a lot easyer. Now, are all French Immersion Schools from Jr-K to gr 8 in all there schools.
I would support French Immersion if the demand was there. Meeting the community's needs. I would think Maria the Trustee would support this to. JF
You have as much of my help as you need.
Our ward is getting crowded with candidates. Now nine in total, with Doug Carroll being the latest to jump into the fray.
Only Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale has more candidates (13), and Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina also has 9.
Should be interesting to see how this goes...although I imagine the debates / meetings will be a bit more difficult to keep focused and interesting.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our neighborhood. I am in full support for this and willing to help with the cause.
We are expecting our 1st child, so it would be great if this came into effect and we would definitely be sending our kid(s) there.
Please keep me in the loop:
ranajit2005@yahoo.ca
If more parents feel strongly about campaigning for French Immersion AND expanding Perth PS to include grades 7 and 8 foremost because it will revitalize our neighbourhood school and encourage more JT families to support it; then perhaps we should coordinate a more focused approach so our collective voices WILL BE HEARD.
I would be curious to find out how many parents would be interested in helping put together something to get the word out, beyond this forum. More voices and louder voices are definitely needed to spread the word and get the Trustee's and the Superintendent's attention.
Also, with all the new homes being built in the area, it would benefit all those upcoming residents with families, who are waiting to move into their new homes, to join in the campaign.
What are other people's thoughts?
If some prefer a less public forum to voice your thoughts about this subject matter, please send an email to info@junctiontriangle.ca, subject line stating "Revitalizing our Neighbourhood School" and the message will be forwarded to me.
I look forward to hearing from you!
I am thrilled to hear that there may be some movement around encouraging more children in the neighbourhood to attend Perth PS. When we moved into the neighbourhood I was so disappointed to hear that a lot of families send their kids outside the area to different schools.
Although I don't necessarily want/need my daughter to attend a FI program, I will write to support it as I believe that this will encourage more families in the neighbourhood to send their kids to Perth. I think it makes obvious sense to have Perth go to grade 8. As a person who grew up in the suburbs and stayed in elementary school until grade 8, I think it's a much better option than kids having to change schools.
Thanks so much for passing this on Irmina!
Thanks for posting this Irmina, along with the links to who we can write to. I plan to do so. It would be wonderful to see Perth Avenue Public School get a French Immersion program, and the idea of keeping the kids in the neighbourhood all the way to grade 8 is particularly appealing.
This morning, I was at Perth PS for a JK orientation, for my little guy, and just so happen ended up speaking with the new principal, Janice Robinson. So, this for all you would-be-French-Immersion parents who now have toddlers and want a program in the neighbourhood.
She wanted to make it clear that, as much as she will be supportive and may want a FI program at Perth PS, she cannot start a FI program. The DEMAND has to come from the neighbourhood PARENTS. Ms. Robinson says that there is definitely room for a FI program in the school and she is encouraging as many parents as possible to contact Trustee Maria Rodrigues and Superintendent Manon Gardner. If there is enough pressure from the parents' side and (hint, hint), if Maria Rodrigues wants to be re-elected, then power to the people.
Moreover, Ms. Robinson would like to expand Perth PS to include grades 7 and 8, as it now only goes up to grade 6. Regal Road only goes up to grade 6 too and if Perth gets a FI program AND expands to include grades 7 and 8, then current Regal Road students in FI, who actually live in the JT, will have an option to go back to Perth PS before highschool. Currently, Regal Road FI students filter to Winona Drive Senior PS to continue on in the program.
Everything from FI to expanding into grades 7 and 8 boils down into a numbers game. We as parents must prove there is enough children to sustain it all. More voices need to be heard and who knows perhaps by the time today's toddlers are five years old, they will have the option of going to Perth PS for French Immersion.
Contact Info:
Superintendent Manon Gardner (SW2 Region)
Phone: 416-394-2044
E-Mail: Manon.Gardner@tdsb.on.ca
Trustee Maria Rodrigues
Telephone: 416-397-3069
Email: maria.rodrigues@tdsb.on.ca
Just noticed this morning that Google has finally updated their maps for this area.
Some corrections I noticed:
Unfortunately they still have the incorrect "Silverthorne" label for this neighbourhood! Also, too bad they didn't add the West Toronto Railpath as another pedestrian/cycling corridor.
Hey guys,
I've done it 3 times in the past. Last year I did the 75KM for the 1st time. Amazing views of the city (bring a camera if you want). Should be warmer this year then last, thats for sure.
Can't partake this year unfortunately, have a baby on the way and too much work to do.
I will be definitely riding next year. For me the start and finish is my house (literally).
Anyhow, good luck to everyone riding. Have fun, and be safe.
Word of advice ease up on the DVP access ramp (brutal wipeouts there).
Ranajit
Thinking about it, but it might be a bit of a last-minute decision for me. It's a nice ride down to the starting area from here, especially early in the morning! :)
The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.
The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference.
The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference.
And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.
– Elie Wiesel