French Immersion Realignment

On February 16, 2023, the RETSD board of trustees and senior administration hosted an information session for families affected by the continuing French immersion milieu realignment—east of Lagimodière Boulevard.

Thank you for attending the event and for your continued patience and understanding during these much needed, required changes that accommodate our growing and thriving division. We understand change is never easy; however, we remain committed to a smooth transition in this next phase of the catchment realignment. 

Below, you will find frequently asked questions with accompanying responses. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email info@retsd.mb.ca and we will promptly respond to your enquiry.

As well, you will find the PowerPoint presentations and other information from the parent meeting on February 10, 2022, at: French Milieu Reconfiguration—Followup Information

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Learning/Programming/Student Services

• Will there be opportunity for an open house at École Regent Park for the children closer to fall? (May/June or day before school starts in September?)

  There is an open house planned at ERP for February 27, 2023 for parents and students. As well, there will be a student open house planned closer to the end of the school year to assist the students in this time of transition. Students will have a half day visit to meet teachers, one another, and engage in some fun activities to learn about their new school. 

• When planning classes, is consideration being given to keeping the kids from EMU or EC with their friends?

  Class configuration always considers a variety of factors to ensure classes are balanced. Current friendships are one factor considered; however, students will be recombined from both schools giving students an opportunity to make new friends. Classes work together during the day and out on the playground, so students will have ample opportunities to stay connected.

• What kind of resources, services, and supports will be available for newcomers?

  In RETSD, there are numerous divisional supports for newcomers across all schools. The school-based team plays a significant role in this network of care. For example, support can include a specific student learning plan or a connection to divisional settlement services.

• What kind of resources, services, and supports will be provided to students with additional needs?

  RETSD has a ‘Framework for Service Delivery’ that guides the supports to students, using a tiered approach. Services, such as resource teachers, counsellors, educational assistants, and clinicians, are allocated based on student need.  

Play Structures/Renovations

• ERP currently does not have a play structure. Will a new play structure be constructed? If so, when can we expect it to be complete?

  The parent council is currently acquiring the necessary funds for a new play structure, but no completion date has been confirmed. In the meantime, students will have a variety of outdoor play equipment to use during recess and lunch.

• Will the ERP renovations be complete by September 2023?

  Unfortunately, no—all scheduled renovations will not be complete by September 2023. We are hopeful that they may be done by the end of 2023. However, classrooms are ready for the two new grades that will be joining ERP. 

Schools of Choice/Realignment Purpose

• Why is Schools of Choice being closed?

  During a time of catchment realignment, Schools of Choice has historically been closed to stabilize enrolment numbers, as the purpose of the realignment is to alleviate enrolment pressures in schools that have reached capacity. 

• Is it possible to allow existing families to stay in the schools of their choice and have the new catchment lines apply to all new families?

  To accurately plan for staffing and class configuration, students will attend their designated school based on the new boundaries.

Transportation

• If we are eligible for transportation, would the transition happen on its own or is a new registration required?

  A transportation form will need to be filled out to indicate your desire for a spot on the bus for your child.

• Where can I get forms to request transportation? Should I apply now or later?

  A form can be found on the Transportation page of our website or by visiting: Transportation Request: Regular (Form A). If you need any assistance in applying, please contact the principal at your child’s current school. We recommend parents apply as early as possible. 

• How is the 1.6 km distance calculated? Will transportation to school be provided for students already in a before-and-after-school program regardless of the 1.6 km distance?

  The 1.6 km distance is calculated, according to The Public Schools Act, as the shortest travelled route from your property line to your designated school. Transportation is only provided to eligible students who meet the 1.6 km distance requirement; the only exception to this rule is for students with additional needs.

• If we don’t meet the 1.6 km distance requirement, is there a fee-for-service option available? And, if so, how much does that cost?

  Fee-for-service busing may be available and must be applied for. The application for 2023–24 fee-for-service busing will be made available on the Transportation page of the RETSD website in the coming months. Due to increasing enrolments in the Transcona area, RETSD’s ability to offer fee-for-service busing will be limited. Fee-for-service busing for 2023–24 will cost $770 for the school year.

• When will we be notified of changes to bus routes and schedules? For example, different start times between EMU and ERP.

  Bus routes and schedules are finalized in August and posted on the parent portal. The parent portal is the same place you obtain your student’s report card. If you have any questions once the routes and schedules are posted, please contact Transportation at 204.669.0202. 

Child Care

• What is the anticipated timeline on the proposed stand-alone child care centre? What can parents do in the meantime to secure child care?

  The stand-alone child care centre is just in its beginning stages of development. Once RETSD has more information regarding the new centre, we will share it with parents. 

  Child care centres are under the authority of Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning, therefore, RETSD has no authority over the child care centre including allocation of spaces. Please refer to the Province of Manitoba website to search for available child care spaces: Manitoba Child Care Search

• The proposed changes may be very disruptive to families and their child care arrangements. How will the impact to families be mitigated? Also, are there plans to change this with early years kids now being in the school? For example, the ERP daycare is closed spring break, winter break, in-service days, and in the summer.

  RETSD has no jurisdiction over child care centres other than approving the use of space in RETSD schools. Please contact the centre directly for further assistance. Please note, there are child care centres in RETSD schools that operate during the breaks and in-services days; however, the RETSD board of trustees does not have the authority to require child care centres to operate on any given day.