As a significantly concerned parent about the safety of Bishop Allen Academy students, I am apprehensive about the impact of the impending two-year construction project on our children. Bishop Allen Academy is more than a school; it's a community, filled with students from all areas of Etobicoke and other parts of Toronto. Presently, our school is already overflowing with students in 24 portables! The Bishop Allen community has been waiting for the new school for decades, and it is time that Bishop Allen is not pushed over any more.

Bishop Allen Academy is, undeniably, extremely accessible for all its students living in Etobicoke due to its proximity within the public transit and home boundaries. The travel time to and from school is manageable, and safety isn't at stake. However, the forthcoming construction project could potentially challenge both these advantages if it is not relocated to the former Scarlett Heights school. Two schools from Etobicoke Centre are feeder schools to Bishop Allen and we will continue to prioritize Our Lady of Peace, St. Pius, St. Demetrius and JCS as well as taking applications for the BA specialty programs, so what is the problem?

It is also important to acknowledge that some parents of Ward 2 are strongly and unfairly opposed to Bishop Allen using Scarlett Heights as a temporary facility and have started a petition to voice their concerns. Despite this, we believe it is critical to find a solution that minimize disruption to students' education and maintains the integrity of the Bishop Allen community.

Furthermore, when considering the safety of the location, we should also examine the surrounding crime statistics. According to the Toronto Police Public Safety Data Portal, crime recorded around the Don Bosco area in 2023 is 12,522 incidents. By contrast, crime recorded around the Scarlett Heights area in 2023 is 6,878 incidents. This stark difference highlights the comparative safety if the temporary relocation is at Don Bosco.

To ensure the well-being of our children and the continuity of their education over the construction period, we need your support immediately. It is upon this note that I urge you to sign this petition urging the staff to provide a report presenting the potential of relocating Bishop Allen Academy during the construction. Safe, accessible education is our right – let's fight for it; we have been patient enough.

Warmly,

Parents of Bishop Allen Academy