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Important Westview School Update

WESTVIEW SCHOOL'S TEMPORARY RELOCATION TO RADISSON SCHOOL

On the evening of Tuesday, March 1, 2022, a significant fire occurred at Westview School. The damage was extensive and school was cancelled for all students Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Planning immediately took place to ensure students and staff can learn and work in a safe environment. Once again, Westview will temporarily move to Radisson School until restoration is complete and it is safe for students and staff to return to Westview.

Though we will have two schools in one building, your school community will remain intact. This means that each school will continue to function as a separate entity within one building. westradmap.png

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESwestradmap.16ea026976.png

A fire on March 1 caused extensive damage to Westview School on Hoka Street. There was considerable smoke, fire, water, and structural damage and, as a result, the students and staff at the school are moving to Radisson School on Winona Street for at least the remainder of the school year. No one was injured and the fire is considered accidental in nature.

"It is particularly disheartening because the students and staff had just returned from spending the fall temporarily housed at Radisson School while significant renovations were being done at Westview School," said Jerry Sodomlak, chair of the River East Transcona School Division board of trustees. "The Radisson School students and staff had been very welcoming of Westview School and again are prepared to open their doors to accommodate Westview."

The fire, along with water and smoke damage, destroyed virtually all contents in the school, including furniture, learning supplies, and personal items. For its temporary move in September, Westview took much of its own classroom furnishings and supplies. When Westview students and staff return to Radisson School on March 9, the division is arranging for essential items such as desks, chairs, and learning resources since there are none left to move from Westview. Repairs at Westview School will begin soon. Once we receive the official reports on damage to the school, then will we know the approximate timelines when students and staff will be returning to Westview.   

The board of trustees acknowledges the commitment of Westview staff who, despite the physical and emotional disruption caused by the fire, are helping their students continue to learn. The students and their families also have shown considerable resilience in adjusting their school lives. The board of trustees is also appreciative of the Radisson School community for stepping up and welcoming back Westview. There are many people across the division who have made this situation their priority.  We would like to thank everyone involved for helping during these trying times, the work of Craig McFeetors, director of maintenance, and his department deserves special mention as he steers the division in reparations to Westview School and helping accommodate Westview and Radisson in the interim.

Westview School has approximately 190 students in kindergarten to Grade 5 and more than 30 staff. There are approximately 195 students in kindergarten to Grade 5 and 32 staff at Radisson School.

LETTERS TO WESTVIEW SCHOOL COMMUNITY

LETTERS TO RADISSON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

FAQ

  • All students and staff from Westview School. Radisson School will welcome this school into their building; however, the school community will not be directly impacted by this temporary move.

  • A fire on March 1 caused extensive damage to Westview School on Hoka Street. There was considerable smoke, fire, water, and structural damage and, as a result, the students and staff at the school are moving to Radisson School on Winona Street for at least the remainder of the school year.

  • The students and staff at the school are moving to Radisson School on Winona Street for at least the remainder of the school year. Once we receive the official reports on damage to the school, then we will know the approximate timelines when students and staff will be returning to Westview.

  • The board of trustees recognizes the disruption to families and to help mitigate the disruption, has temporarily waived the transportation policy in order to offer Westview students busing. Westview students will have dedicated school buses and routes during the time of the relocation to Radisson School. Busing is optional and parents may walk or transport their students as well.

  • We know how important Prairie Nature Children's Centre Inc. is to parents. We are in contact with them, as well as the province, and more information will be shared as soon as possible.

  • Radisson School is the ideal choice for this temporary relocation as there is room for the entire school to move. It was important to us to keep students and staff together for the least amount of disruption to teaching and learning. Radisson's capacity is over 400 students and with this year's enrolment of 185 and Westview School's enrolment of 191, we can safely accommodate all students and staff.

  • Please contact your school principal to discuss your questions or concerns. You may also email communications@retsd.mb.ca.

  • The offers of support and donations for Westview School have been overwhelming—we're very thankful. If you are interested in providing a donation of any sort, please contact the school division at 204.667.7130 or communications@retsd.mb.ca.

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