April 10th, 2025

Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of your children and school community throughout this process. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared their questions and concerns with us.

We are committed to working closely with families from both Sandowne and Elizabeth Ziegler school communities as we move forward.

Planning for the 2025-26 School Year

As Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) staff set out to create a plan for Elizabeth Ziegler PS students for the 2025-26 school year, a number of possible options and scenarios were explored.

In working through the possibilities and the need for a school with the necessary space and offering French Immersion it became evident that Sandowne PS was the sole possibility. As a result we simply did not have the time or the flexibility to widely consult. We recognize this meant that we were unable to solicit input regarding the plan for the 2025-26 school year as we needed to make timely decisions.

Why Sandowne PS Was Selected

Sandowne PS was selected as the site to welcome Elizabeth Ziegler PS students because there was available space within the school, it has the required property to add portables, and is a school that has French Immersion. In addition the increase in students will benefit Sandowne PS’s organization.

Space and Capacity of the Sandowne PS Building and Property

While in recent years, enrolment has been lower at Sandowne PS, the building and property have the capacity to support more than 700 students. For example, the school has a double gym, allowing two classes to participate in physical education indoors at the same time. Further, the school yard itself is large enough to accommodate the additional portables, while still providing enough green space for students to play and explore during their nutrition breaks.

Moving Ahead to 2025-26: The Growing Sandowne PS Community

We know this will be an adjustment for students, families, staff and the extended Sandowne school community. Thank you for your continued efforts and please know we are committed to working with you as we move forward. We foresee that the overall impact will be a positive one for the Sandowne PS community as a whole.

As we make plans for this transition, Sandowne’s Principal Kelly Gudas and Superintendent Pam Kaur will create opportunities to hear from and get your input. Please continue to connect with Principal Gudas when you have questions or concerns.