The Department of Education is reviewing possible changes to the grade configuration of four schools in the Prince of Wales school system due to what’s being called capacity challenges at the primary and elementary school level.
The proposed changes include St. Andrew’s Elementary and Larkhall Academy, Leary’s Brook Junior High and Prince of Wales Collegiate. The changes being considered starting in September involve changing St. Andrew’s and Larkhall to kindergarten to to grade 4, while current grade 4 students will be moved to grade 5 at Leary’s Brook. Leary’s Brook will change from 5 to 8, while current grade 8 students will move to grade 9 at Prince of Wales.
Prince of Wales will change to a grade 9 to Level 4 facility.
There will be no changes to the catchment areas for students, and no changes to the grade configuration of Beachy Cove Elementary or Brookside Intermediate which also feed into Prince of Wales.
The proposed changes at Prince of Wales will be an interim measure until new schools being built in Kenmount Terrace and Portugal Cove-St. Philips are ready.
A final decision is expected by April 30 and further information is going out to the school community today.