We are very concerned Observatory Hill homeowners and residents (The area south of Weldrick Road East and west of Bayview Ave).  Education is deeply personal to everyone in our community. Yesterday, changes were made to our school boundary map that would change the secondary school from Bayview SS to Langstaff SS which would double the travel distance.  This causes significant disruption and concern among parents and students alike. In addition, our residents feel we are drawn out of Bayview Hills ES when we are so close in proximity to this school.   

The original school boundary map ensured that all children had access to quality education within a reasonable distance from their homes. The recent changes will result in longer travel times for students and unsafe for our students to travel long distance with heavy traffic.  

We understand that changes are sometimes necessary for growth or improvement. However, these alterations seem arbitrary without clear communication or justification provided by the school board.

Our ask to YRDSB 

1. Revert back the original school boundary immediately to include Bayview SS for Observatory Hill residents due to our close proximity to this school. 
2. Due diligence on student population at Bayview SS to ensure no student are living out of boundary and inflating the student population.
3. Consider changing Bayview Hills ES school boundary to allow Observatory Hill community young children to attend this school due to the close proximity.
4. Additional consultation and consideration with residents before any changes are made to the school boundary.

We believe it's crucial for every child's right to accessible education not be compromised due to administrative decisions made without proper consultation with those affected most - us, the residents of Richmond Hill Ward 6 and Observatory Hill community.

Therefore, we urge the school board to revert back to the original school boundary map. Please sign this petition if you stand with us on this issue.  Thank you for your support and we will prevail if our community is united.   Please make your voice heard with the school trustee and area councillors.