Board to rename east-end elementary school

Limestone Learning Foundation
Board to rename east-end elementary school
Posted on 06/17/2021
Image of words East-end elementary school to be renamed

Trustees of the Limestone District School Board voted unanimously to initiate a renaming process for École Sir John A. Macdonald Public School at its regular meeting on June 16, 2021.

A motion, put forward by Trustee Garrett Elliott and seconded by Trustee Bob Godkin, directs board staff to initiate a renaming process that will include stakeholder consultation, specifically the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee, as outlined in Administrative Procedure 552: Naming and Renaming of Schools. The motion asks the process to include a stance on reconciliation, decolonization, anti-racism, and anti-oppression principles. The renaming process will begin in September once school resumes.

Trustees also voted on a second motion by Area Trustee Godkin to remove the current school name effective June 30, 2021, and use École Kingston East Elementary School until a new name is chosen. Kingston East Elementary School was the placeholder name used while the school was under construction.

“The Board of Trustees acknowledges the ongoing pain and harm related to the use of that name within our school communities but particularly with Indigenous members,” says LDSB Board Chair Suzanne Ruttan. “Removing the current name at the end of the school year is a timely way to begin the healing process while planning for meaningful consultation with the Indigenous community, students, families and staff.”

The school was named followed a naming process in 2012. There have been previous calls to change the name of the school in recent years.

In the meantime, staff will work with the school community to transition from the current name to the interim name. There are several items that need to be addressed, and the board asks for the community’s patience as it moves forward with these changes.

“Changing the name of this school will have a powerful impact on how Indigenous and racialized students see themselves,” says Chair Ruttan. “We look forward to a consultation and renaming process that honours equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and ensures all students, families and staff feel safe and welcome. This is one small step to demonstrate our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and having all students see themselves in Limestone.”


For more information, please contact:
Karen Smith, Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 314 | 613-328-0947 mobile

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.