IMPORTANT – Community Update: Playground Accessibility Project

Dear Highland Park families,

As you know, our dedicated Parent Advisory Council (PAC) has been working hard on plans to update our playground to make it accessible and aligned with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements. We know how much time and effort our PAC volunteers have put into this project, and sincerely appreciate their dedication to our school community.

We are also aware that some concerns have been raised regarding the pace and process of the playground improvements. In response to these concerns, the school district completed a fulsome review of the matter.

The review found that the PAC’s decision-making and fund-allocation strategies were consistent with the discretionary powers granted to such councils. These powers are intended to allow PACs to adapt to the evolving needs of a school community and allocate resources in a manner that seeks to serve the best interests of the students and the school environment.

The review also revealed, however, that the funds were officially being raised on behalf of Highland Park Elementary rather than on behalf of the school PAC. This means that the school and not the school PAC is ultimately responsible for the management and allocation of the funds collected.

Additionally, the examination highlighted that the November PAC meeting, pivotal for deciding on a phased approach to replacing our playground, was not well attended. As a result, the final vote on the matter at this meeting may not fully represent the sentiment of the entire school community.

To ensure we move forward in a way that reflects the collective priorities of our families and addresses any remaining concerns, the school will be preparing a brief survey for our school community. The aim of this survey will be to give every Highland Park Elementary family an opportunity to clearly state their household’s preference on the playground project’s progression.

Specifically, you will be asked whether you support a phased implementation of playground improvements, or if you would prefer to wait until the full funds are raised before the playground is replaced.

The intent is to reach a clear consensus on the community’s wishes, and we strongly encourage all families to participate. A copy of the survey will be posted to the school website so that families are able to access a translated version through our website translation plugin. I will share with you the details on how and when to complete the survey once this survey is ready.

Jennifer Walker
Principal