HomeMy WebLinkAbout09c Delegation Maureen McEvoy re Devonshire Closure0
Devonshire Community Public School
A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
IN FRENCH IMMERSION EDUCATION
Our Community's Vision:
Building on the strengths of a truly exceptional school!
Devonshire Community Public School is aptly named. Deep neighbourhood roots and strong parental
involvement have contributed to an exceptional record of academic achievement. Co- locating a
congregated gifted EFI program and a new Grades 4 to 6 Middle French Immersion program (to serve the
Central and Near West population) would be highly complementary to our existing JK to 6 Early French
Immersion program.
Such a Centre of Excellence in French immersion education builds on the strengths of a truly exceptional
school, meets the needs of both the central and near -west core communities and serves as a model for the
Board and the province.
Devonshire's Strengths
Educational:
• Completely focused EFI Centre environment allows staff and students to communicate in French,
inside and outside the classroom.
• A superior academic record — evidenced by EQAO testing results (despite French being the
language of instruction and English the language of testing).
• One of the best French - language school libraries in the Board.
• Provides the Early French Immersion choice to families who represent the most diverse socio-
economic, and richest ethno - cultural mix in the region.
Geographical:
• Devonshire's catchment area contains the highest density of children of any area the same size in
the Region.
• Provides equity of access and educational opportunity for a multi - cultural community with a wide
socio- economic diversity, many of whom rely on the seamless day of the daycare program.
• A true community school, located in the centre of its current catchment neighbourhoods — over 80%
of Devonshire students are within walking distance, saving busing costs.
• A convenient drop -off point by public transit or car for working parents.
• A stable student base able to accommodate "baby boom" occurring in surrounding community, and
planned core residential development (Sakto Corp.'s Preston Complex, the City Centre and
LeBreton Flats).
• Inability of designated receiving schools to absorb Devonshire's students and maintain existing
program quality.
Physical Plant:
• A fully paid -for facility.
• An extremely energy - efficient school.
• Considerable retrofitting and upgrades over the years.
• A well- maintained historical building —a community fixture since 1910.