February 11th, 2025
In September 2025, we will open a new elementary school at 670 Thomas Slee Drive, located in the Southwest area of Kitchener.
We know that our schools are integral parts of the communities we serve. As such, selecting a name for a school is an important first step in the ongoing relationship between the school, and those who learn, work and grow inside and out of the school.
The new elementary school will be a hub in the Southwest Kitchener community and will serve more than just the students and families that attend the school. Therefore, the name needs to reflect the values of the community and be a welcoming space for all.
How a School is Named
The school naming process begins with the assembling of a Naming Committee, whose first step is to invite submissions for potential names of the new school.
Suggesting a School Name
The school naming committee wants to hear from you. This is a callout to all WRDSB students, families, caregivers, community members, and beyond to name our newest school. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 21, 2025.
History of the Area
According to Whose Land website, Thomas Slee Drive falls within The Simcoe Patent – Treaty 4 and the Haldimand Treaty. Established in 1793, the lands allocated for Six Nations under the Simcoe Patent consist of approximately 675,000 acres being only a portion of the Haldimand Treaty lands. The Haldimand Treaty of 1784 runs on both sides of the Grand River. Originally, 6 miles on either side of the Grand River (950,000 acres) were set aside for the Haldimand Tract, but today only approximately 48,000 acres (or 4.9%) remain in use by the people of Six Nations. Throughout the past and in the present, this land is the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples.
Tips for Making a Name Suggestion
As a school board committed to Indigenous sovereignty, equity, and human rights, the naming of our schools is an important part of our commitment to make our schools and classrooms:
- Safe
- Welcoming
- Inclusive
When making a name submission, it’s important to keep these things in mind:
- WRDSB schools and facilities will not be named after individuals or family names
- No WRDSB school or facility will be named after a corporation or business
- Include background information and context as appropriate to support your suggestion
- Only submissions that adhere to the WRDSB’s commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, equity and human rights will be considered
- WRDSB schools and facilities should be given a name that is meaningful and reflects local historic events and/or places or distinguishing characteristics of the area
What Happens Next?
All of the suggested names submitted will be reviewed by the Naming Committee. The committee will then select their top ten choices. The community will again be invited to help us select the top three names from this list. This vote will determine a list of the top three names presented to the Board of Trustees, with the top choice being the recommended choice. Trustees can choose to accept this recommendation or choose another one of the names in the top three.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the school naming process, please refer to the following: