Frequently Asked Questions are based on feedback received through the Ponsonby PS Boundary Review web page,
letters, emails, feedback forms and questions received at the Public Information Session on November 14, 2013.
FAQ Question Quick Reference List
FAQ Question Quick Reference List .......................................................................................................... 1
Frequently Asked Questions – November 19, 2013 Ponsonby PS Boundary Review .............................. 2
How are enrolment projections calculated? ............................................................................................ 2
What is the septic capacity of the Ponsonby PS? ..................................................................................... 2
If development is contributing to enrolment pressure at Ponsonby PS then why not move the new
South Ridge subdivision to Elora PS? ........................................................................................................ 2
If scenario #2 is chosen and the Hill Street area is reassigned to Elora PS in 2015, would students be
able to attend Elora PS one year earlier? ................................................................................................. 2
If scenario #2 is chosen and the Hill Street area is reassigned to Elora PS in 2015, would students be
able to finish off their final year at Ponsonby PS? .................................................................................... 2
Are there other schools in the Board that are JK-5? If so, how do students adapt to moving to another
school in Grade 6?..................................................................................................................................... 3
Why are you only including Ponsonby PS and Elora PS in this review?.................................................... 3
November 20, 2013
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Frequently Asked Questions are based on feedback received through the Ponsonby PS Boundary Review web page,
letters, emails, feedback forms and questions received at the Public Information Session on November 14, 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions – November 19, 2013
Ponsonby PS Boundary Review
How are enrolment projections calculated?
The Board has a software system that is used to project enrolment. The software incorporates census
data, birth rate data, historical enrolment trends, historical retention and attrition rates, residential
development applications, and FI program share. Planning Staff monitor and update these projections
regularly.
What is the septic capacity of the Ponsonby PS?
The septic system at Ponsonby PS was replaced about 7 years ago. There is a high water table and
drainage issues on site which limit the size of the septic system. The system was designed to
accommodate approximately 30L per student per day, which translates into septic capacity for
approximately 200 students plus the school staff.
If development is contributing to enrolment pressure at Ponsonby PS then why not move the
new South Ridge subdivision to Elora PS?
The South Ridge subdivision, located at Bridge Street and First Line in the south end of Elora, is
contributing to some of the enrolment pressure projected at Ponsonby PS. Staff considered a scenario
that would have reassigned the South Ridge subdivision area to Elora PS, however due to the size of the
development, It would have removed too many students from Ponsonby PS and, conversely, added too
much pressure to Elora PS.
If scenario #2 is chosen and the Hill Street area is reassigned to Elora PS in 2015, would
students be able to attend Elora PS one year earlier?
At this time Staff is proposing the implementation of any changes in 2015. An Out of Area request would
be required to attend Elora PS a year earlier. As per the Out of Area policy, transportation would not be
provided. Parents are responsible for submitting an Out of Area application to their home school which
is reviewed and discussed by Principals and the Superintendent of Education. See the web page
Information for Parents on Out of Area Attendance – Policy #501 for more details.
If scenario #2 is chosen and the Hill Street area is reassigned to Elora PS in 2015, would
students be able to finish off their final year at Ponsonby PS?
Similar to the question above, an Out of Area request would also be required in this situation, and based
on the policy transportation would not be provided.
November 20, 2013
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Frequently Asked Questions are based on feedback received through the Ponsonby PS Boundary Review web page,
letters, emails, feedback forms and questions received at the Public Information Session on November 14, 2013.
Are there other schools in the Board that are JK-5? If so, how do students adapt to moving to
another school in Grade 6?
There are several schools throughout the Board that have transitions to new schools other than at grade
7. School Staff do everything they can to help ease the transition and make the move as smooth as
possible. For example, students are often invited to the school the year before for an orientation day,
which is an opportunity to see the school and to meet staff and teachers.
Why are you only including Ponsonby PS and Elora PS in this review?
The purpose of this review is to address the projected overcapacity issue at Ponsonby PS. Ponsonby PS
students currently graduate to Elora PS for grade 7. Elora PS was included in the review as it provides an
opportunity to address the overcapacity situation.
November 20, 2013
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