Superintendent Stuart Miller will host a meeting on Monday October 19th, 2009 at 7:00pm to discuss a variety of possible themed approached for the proposed JK-6 school to be established at New Central for September 2010.  This follows on the Board decision to close Brantwood, Linbrook and Chisholm and retain New Central, EJ James and Maple Grove.

In discussions with Stuart Miller we understand a variety of themes will be presented for discussion with the community.

We invite all members of the community that have an interest in ensuring New Central remains as a vital link within our community.  Parents, prospective parents that may consider a renovated, energized new program that is stable and sustainable at New Central should plan to attend.

To aide in ensuring the viability of New Central the Board is proposing open optional attendence.  This will provide a clear choice for parents within the Ward to decide on either Maple Grove with a proposed student population in excess of 600 students or New Central with a proposed population of 250.

The concept behind a themed approach is to provide a unique learning environment with a solid foundation based on research.

The Greater Essex County District School Board, www.gecdsb.on.ca, according to their website, states, that "the concept of themed schools is unique to the Greater Essex County District School Board. Each new school built by our Board since 2003 has been given a theme, which not only provides an instant identity, but also allows the building to do more than just house the students and staff.  Themes ensure the building is part of the students’ educational experience."

Themes at Greater Essex include: Diversity; Exploration; Discovery; Growing to the Future; Heritage; Earth Keepers; Healthy Lifestyles.  Learning through the Arts appears as a major program consideration at Greater Essex.  HDSB Superintendent Miller stated that an Arts theme seemed of particular interest based upon the discussions with Greater Essex and their success in student achievement and ability to attract back students.  Research at Greater Essex can be found at www.gecdsb.on.ca/programs/ltta/research.asp

The "Learning through the Arts" programming theme is supported by the Royal Conservatory of Music and can be found at www.ltta.ca.