Feedback Opportunity: School Renaming

The DDSB is undertaking a process that may result in the re-naming of Sir John A. Macdonald (Pickering) and Julie Payette (Whitby) Public Schools.  

DDSB’s Board of Trustees passed a motion at the May 17, 2021 Board Meeting that one or more of the renaming criteria contained in Section 5.4 of the Naming of Schools Policy has been engaged and that a School Naming Committee will be established to consider a potential renaming for Sir John A. Macdonald (Pickering) and Julie Payette (Whitby) Public Schools in accordance with DDSB’s Naming of Schools Procedure.

Every time the DDSB undergoes a naming or renaming process for our schools, we aim to make the process as transparent, equitable, accessible, and respectful as possible.  

Renaming Process: The School Naming Committee receives, reviews, and considers submissions from the broader school community, then narrows submissions for further consultation. Where a re-naming is being considered, the committee shall consider all voices and perspectives. The committee will consult with the broader school community on renaming the school in accordance with the Naming of Schools Policy and Procedure and will bring forward a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. 

You can take part in the process by filling out the survey here:

Sir John A. Macdonald PS no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, November 19, 2021 

Julie Payette PS – no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021

Anticipated Timeline (subject to change):  

• Late-November – The School Naming Committee will review and consider submissions and narrow them for a second round of community consultation.  
• Early-December – Second consultation survey closes. 
• December 2021/January 2022 – The School Naming Committee will review feedback and will recommend to the Board of Trustees to keep the current name or propose a new name. In accordance with the Naming of Schools Procedure, the top three choices from the School Naming Committee will be presented in either scenario. 

We appreciate your feedback!