New school, new start

The mother of an Indigenous Grade 6 student sought our help after her daughter was denied a transfer to a new school within the same school board. She told us the girl had been the victim of cyberbullying and racist comments and wanted to change schools for her own safety. When we raised this case with school board officials, they initially told us the request wasn’t in line with their typical processes and timelines.

RESULT: We drew the superintendent’s attention to the board’s out-of-area admissions policy which states that Indigenous students will be given priority access and can be admitted at any time in the school year. The superintendent agreed to facilitate the transfer and follow up with the principals at both schools to set up supports for the girl. Her mother thanked us for our help and said the girl was doing well at her new school.