OCDSB Opens Junior Kindergarten Registration at Alternative Schools

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has announced the opening of registration for junior kindergarten at its four alternative schools this fall, despite prior plans to phase out the program. This decision comes after former trustees voted last year to eliminate the alternative school program, along with the Middle French Immersion option. With this direction maintained since the provincial takeover of the school board, families now find themselves with two educational pathways: English with core French or Early French Immersion.

In a statement released on Monday, Robert Plamondon, the provincially appointed supervisor of the OCDSB, confirmed that junior kindergarten (JK) intake would be available this fall at Churchill Alternative School, Lady Evelyn Alternative School, Riverview Alternative School, and Regina Street Alternative School. This development follows a previous announcement made in December 2022, where parents were informed that no new kindergarten intakes or transfers into the alternative system would occur.

Plamondon indicated that the decision to open registration is part of a broader commitment to equitable programming across the district. He stated, “To move toward equitable programming across the district, I have directed staff to undertake localized planning and accommodation studies where school boundaries could change beginning with the areas where our four alternative schools are located.” This approach aims to ensure that all students have access to quality educational options.

The OCDSB had planned an elementary program review that would have required thousands of students to switch schools. However, this review was ultimately scrapped. Plamondon commented on the implications of this change, saying, “While this change affects a limited number of students, it reflects the OCDSB’s commitment to student success and well-being, and to respond positively to concerns and common sense recommendations from parents.”

In a related update, Stacey Kay, the Director of Education, noted that the kindergarten program will adhere to a regular 50/50 model. This model entails a full-day, fully bilingual program, with instruction divided equally between English and French. Kay emphasized that the program will operate in accordance with the existing boundaries of the alternative schools.

Further details regarding the registration process will be released in the coming days. Kay added, “We will confirm the specific program model, grade structure, and final boundaries for these four schools following comprehensive accommodation reviews in and around these sites in the coming 24 months.” This ongoing evaluation aims to enhance the educational experience for students and address the needs of families within the district.