April 20th, 2023

Dear A.R. Kaufman Community Members,

I wanted to provide you with an update on the renaming of AR Kaufman PS. As you know, we started the renaming process in early 2023 and asked for your suggestions for our new school name. Thank you for your creativity and thoughtfulness in helping us find a new name for our school.

The three shortlisted names Hillside Public School, Elm Public School and Avens Public School were presented on Wednesday evening to the Board of Trustees.

Please note, a recommendation to adopt Hillside based on community consultation was made at the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting on April 19.

The responsibility for renaming a school and the final decision for a new school name sits with the WRDSB Board of Trustees. The decision will be ratified at the Board Meeting on Monday, April 24, 2023. At this point an official announcement will be made to you all and the wider WRDSB community. 

Hillside was the popular choice of the school community, especially among students. It represents the school’s location, combining “hill” with “side” from Ingleside. We feel the name “Hillside” flows nicely, and honours the intent of the renaming policy.

I want to thank everyone who supported us in this important work, which is part of our commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces for all our students and staff. 

Afrim Ficic

Principal