I’m reaching out to share a pressing issue facing many families in our community, particularly those with children attending St. Fidelis Catholic School. Recently, a proposal has been made to change the start times for this school under the Toronto Catholic District School Board. While this change may seem minor to some, it carries significant repercussions for many families who have meticulously arranged their lives around the current schedule.

For working parents, the current start time is not just convenient, it's a pillar around which daily work and childcare arrangements are structured. The proposed alteration undermines the delicate balance many families have painstakingly established. This balance often involves coordinating multiple schedules for other children’s schools, commuting times, and professional commitments. A change would mean revising childcare arrangements, possibly incurring additional costs, and may even negatively impact parents' ability to maintain their jobs or financial stability.

Moreover, there are practical concerns about the proposed new start time. It could lead to increased traffic congestion in the area, as families are forced to alter their routines. For children, changes in school start times can affect sleep patterns, daily routines, and ultimately their performance and well-being. Numerous studies have shown the impact of consistent schedules on a child’s academic achievement and mental health.

It's not just a matter of convenience—it’s about maintaining the quality and stability of life for those who depend on St. Fidelis’s current schedule. We urge the Toronto Catholic District School Board to consider the real and profound impact this proposed change will have on students and their families.

We call on the school board to retain the current start times at St. Fidelis Catholic School, understanding the wider implications for our community. Please sign this petition to show your support for maintaining the existing school schedule and help us protect the harmonious lives our families have built.

To make our voices heard, please contact Frank Benedetto (fbenedetto@fmlaw.ca) or the MPP (mohamed.firin@pc.ola.org) to express displeasure with the proposed changes.