Families, 
I am writing to let you know about some upcoming changes to address significant growth pressures in the J.L. Ilsley High Family of Schools (JLI FOS). 
As the population continues to grow in Halifax Regional Municipality, student enrolment is rising in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. The JLI FOS is one of the fastest growing areas. To ensure all students have safe, welcoming, and comfortable learning spaces, some changes are necessary.
Modular Units
Last fall, we let Elizabeth Sutherland School (ESS) families know that a modular unit would be built this spring to help ease these pressures. The 8-classroom addition placed at ESS will help support growth in surrounding schools.
Effective September 2023, there will be changes at some schools in the JLI FOS.
I want to assure you that all students will remain at their current school until they transition to their next school. All new students registering for school will follow the changes. 

Changes in the J.L. Ilsley High Family of Schools 
Central Spryfield Elementary: 
• will change from Grades PP-5 to Grades PP-4. 
• will feed into Cunard Junior High starting in Grade 5. Central Spryfield Elementary will no longer feed into Rockingstone Heights School. Central Spryfield Elementary students will no longer attend John W. MacLeod – Flemming Tower Elementary for French Immersion, they will now attend Chebucto Heights Elementary.
Chebucto Heights Elementary: 
• will remain Grades PP-5. 
• will receive P-5 French Immersion students from Central Spryfield Elementary, Elizabeth Sutherland School and Rockingstone Heights School. Chebucto Heights Elementary (English) will no longer feed into Cunard Junior High, instead students will feed into Elizabeth Sutherland School in Grade 6. Chebucto Heights Elementary (French Immersion) will continue to feed into Elizabeth Sutherland School in Grade 6. 
Cunard Junior High: 
• will remain Grades 5-8. 
• will receive Grade 5 (English) students from Central Spryfield Elementary and Grade 5 (English) students from John W. MacLeod – Fleming Tower Elementary. 
Elizabeth Sutherland School: 
• will remain Grades PP-8 (English) and Grades 5-8 (French Immersion).
• will receive English and French Immersion students from Chebucto Heights Elementary. Grade 5 students from John W. MacLeod – Fleming Tower Elementary will continue to attend Elizabeth Sutherland School for French Immersion. 
Harrietsfield Elementary: 
• will remain Grades PP-5. 
Herring Cove Junior High: 
• will remain Grades 6-8. 
John W. MacLeod – Fleming Tower Elementary:
• will remain Grades PP-4. Central Spryfield Elementary no longer attends John W. MacLeod – Fleming Tower Elementary for French Immersion. 
J.L. Ilsley High: 
• will remain Grades 9-12. 
Rockingstone Heights School: 
• will remain Grades PP-8. Central Spryfield Elementary will no longer feed into Rockingstone Heights School.
Sambro Elementary:
• will remain Grades PP-5. 
William King Elementary:
• will remain Grades PP-5. 
For more information, rationale, and to view a detailed chart of all changes in this FOS, please click here.

We Want Your Input
We know the success of each student’s experience will depend on a strong transition plan. This is our current focus, and we’re looking for your input: 
“As we respond to growing enrolment and make necessary changes, how can we best support your child to ensure their success and well-being throughout this transition?"
To collect your thoughts, we’re using an online platform called ThoughtExchange. You can contribute ideas and opinions, see what others have offered, and rate comments. It’s available any time, it’s accessible, and it’s anonymous. Schools will use what you share to create meaningful plans to ensure a smooth transition.
Click here to get started.
ThoughtExchange will remain open to feedback until May 9, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas.

What’s next?
You can expect regular communication from school principals in the coming weeks as more information becomes available about transition plans.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to your school principal or connect@hrce.ca. We will continue to update our website with answers to your questions.

All the best,
Steve Gallagher
Regional Executive Director
Halifax Regional Centre for Education