To help support families and students at Sandowne Public School, we’ve prepared answers to a selection of frequently asked questions. We will continue to update this web page as information becomes available.

View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Closure of Elizabeth Ziegler PS.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Elizabeth Ziegler Public School students moving to Sandowne Public School for 2025-26?

This is a temporary accommodation plan approved to ensure all students continue learning in a supportive environment while the Elizabeth Ziegler PS building remains closed.

Who is included in the move to Sandowne Public School?

For the 2025-26 school year, current Elizabeth Ziegler Public School students will attend Sandowne Public School. This includes:

  • Full Day Kindergarten
  • Grade 1 to Grade 6 Regular track (core French)
  • Grade 2 to Grade 6 French immersion
Why was Sandowne Public School selected for Elizabeth Ziegler students?

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.

The school has the space to accommodate additional students, as the school population has not been growing in recent years.

Why wasn’t the Sandowne PS community consulted before the decision was made to welcome Elizabeth Ziegler PS students at Sandowne PS?

Due to limited viable options and the urgency of staffing and planning for the 2025-26 school year, we had to move quickly. 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 to ensure we could organize the appropriate staffing.

We appreciate all of the parents, caregivers and community members who attended the community meeting on April 24, 2025. As we move forward, we are committed to working closely with families and caregivers to ensure a supportive transition.

How will the arrival of new students at Sandowne PS affect French Immersion classes?

An increased number of students in French immersion attending Sandowne PS will increase the cohort of French immersion students, thereby creating a more robust program that ensures no triple-grade blended class for the 2025-2026 school year.

How will the additional vehicles at Sandowne PS be supported in the new school year?

Plans are underway to add more parking spaces to accommodate the increase in staff at the site. Furthermore, WRDSB staff are working with the City of Waterloo and Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region to create a traffic plan around the school and the surrounding neighbourhood.

View the site plan.

How will the school facilities and outdoor play space be adapted to accommodate the larger student population?

Sandowne PS was selected as the location because the building and property have the capacity to support more than 700 students. This includes the outdoor space for nutrition breaks and athletics, the building’s washrooms, plumbing and electrical capacity.

View the site plan.

Will there be enough space and resources at Sandowne Public School to accommodate all students?

Yes, the Sandowne Public School building and property have the capacity to support over 700 students. The double gym and spacious schoolyard ensure that both indoor and outdoor spaces remain adequate.

Additionally, 12 portables will ensure sufficient classroom space, and WRDSB is working closely with Sandowne PS staff to ensure students have access to all necessary learning resources.

How will these additional students at Sandowne PS affect students’ learning experiences?

With more students, the school will have access to additional resources, a broader range of programming, and fewer blended classes.

A vice-principal is also being added to the school to further support students and families.

How will student safety be ensured during arrival and dismissal, given the increased number of buses and cars?

Student safety remains our foremost priority.

Regardless of the number of students and families, we will aim to inform all families about safe arrival and departure from school routines, including in the student drop-off area.

How do we plan to support students, families and staff during this temporary accommodation plan?

We want families to know that we understand this transition is a significant adjustment for everyone. Change can bring uncertainty, and it’s natural to have questions and concerns. We recognize that it takes time to adapt, and we are committed to supporting this process together, listening to your feedback, and making thoughtful changes along the way as needed.

Our goal is to build a strong, inclusive school where every student can thrive; one where they feel safe, supported, and truly have a sense of belonging. As we bring students, families, and staff together, we see this as an opportunity to create something new – a learning environment grounded in care, collaboration, and well-being.

We look forward to building this next chapter in partnership with students, families and staff.

Will the “school within a school” model continue next year at Sandowne PS?

For the 2025-26 school year, all students attending Sandowne PS will be registered as students at Sandowne PS.

Will the additional students at Sandowne PS impact the current Extended Day/Before and After School Programs offered at the school?

A license revision was approved by the Ministry to increase the operating capacity for the Extended Day program to accommodate the additional students, effective for September 2025. For the 2025-26 year, we can accommodate up to 130 students in the program.

What options and spaces will be available for kids who need quiet time during the day?

Sandowne PS has a variety of small spaces available to use for individual student support.

Will additional students affect the funding for special events like assemblies, field trips, concerts, etc.?

Sandowne’s current school council community has prioritized field trips as one area to support. This priority will be passed along to the new Principal and Vice-Principal and will be raised at the first school council meeting in September 2025.

Assemblies and concerts are not impacted by funding; Sandowne will continue to have a vibrant Umbrella Skills program that includes regular assemblies.

With the increase in student, staff and family population, there will likely be an increase rather than a decrease in special experiences for students.

If students remain at Sandowne PS, will they possibly be impacted by a future boundary review?

Future boundary reviews (if required) will take into account where students live and their current school location during the year of the study. Boundary Reviews involve public engagement and input on boundary recommendations before the board of trustees approves changes. The scope and objectives of a review are defined when a review is approved to be undertaken. Boundary reviews consider the impact of recommendations or changes on students/families and offer transition/implementation plans for changes.

How will the school council work for the next school year?

Each year, parents and caregivers from the school community are invited to attend school council meetings. This coming year will be no different. Anyone interested in serving in an elected role on the School Council is welcome to put their name forward for a vote. All parents and caregivers from both schools will be welcome to attend.

Will students and staff in portables have access to washrooms or the main school building?

Yes, students and staff will have access to the washroom facilities inside the building.

Will there be new fire alarm protocols for the growing Sandowne PS school?

Safety procedures will be developed, with the support of central WRDSB staff.

Will students at Sandowne PS continue to have access to music education?

Music education is part of the curriculum and will continue to be taught by qualified educators.

Will programs offered at the school be impacted by the growth of Sandowne PS?

With more students, the school will have access to additional resources and a broader range of programming.

How will we support the health of the growing student community at Sandowne PS?

As is the case at all WRDSB schools, staff will work in collaboration with our partners at Region of Waterloo Public Health to address and respond to any health-related concerns that may arise.