Why change the name at all?
We received this flash alert from the OSCVI site the other day and I thought I would share my opinion on it. As a supporter of the OSCVI save our school group which currently has a petition to review in process, I find the whole concept a little insulting and condescending to our community, its alumni and the students involved. This message they are sending is just more fluff created to distract attention from the real issues.
Subject: New School Name For The Secondary School in Owen Sound
Dear Parents/Guardians/Community Members:
As you are aware, on Tuesday April 19, 2016, the Bluewater District School Board Trustees voted to amalgamate OSCVI & WHSS as of September 2016 on the WHSS site.
One of the transition activities includes establishing the Naming Committee to help gather input from our school community. Our Naming Committee is comprised of our Trustee, along with Student, Staff, Administrative and Community Representatives from both the WHSS & OSCVI Communities. Next, we need your input on a New School Name for the secondary school students of Owen Sound!!
We want to ensure that the community as a whole has a chance to provide their ideas of what the new name should be. Students will have the opportunity for input next week.
There are a number of ways listed below, that you can submit your suggestion up until May 31, 2016. Your suggestions on a new school name, along with a rationale for WHY you think your name is a good choice can be submitted via:
1. The preferred method: An online, Survey Monkey with the link below, will be posted on both the WHSS & OSCVI schools' websites and that of all Owen Sound and area elementary schools. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3NTNQQR
2. Community Suggestion Boxes will be located at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Library & the reception area of the YMCA Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre, along with the main school offices of OSCVI & WHSS.
3. By phone you may leave your suggestions by calling extension 300 at either WHSS or OSCVI.
4. Via Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag, #OSnameyourschool and on the BWDSB Homepage.
The suggestions will be compiled and a shortlist will be created. You will then have the opportunity to provide input on the shortlisted names from June 2 to 7 using the same methods outlined above.
We look forward to your ideas and input.
Thank You,
Owen Sound Naming Committee
Aside from the fact that the BWDSB is still force feeding the amalgamation plan down our throats at a break neck speed, they are adding insult to injury to all involved. My question is why are they changing the name at all? I have had three of my kids proudly pass through OSCVI and one currently attending. I am all in favour of keeping the WHSS school name and I would expect no different if the role was reversed. The BWDSB has already banished the 160 year history of the OSCVI so why do the same to West Hill? Are they really that out of touch. The students they are dealing with are young adults. They will figure out that it isn't really a "new school". A new name does not change anything. Through the process I have seen a incredible amount of maturity amongst the students of OSCVI and the fact is that they are not upset because they are becoming part of WHSS. They are upset because they are losing a school they love. Changing the name and removing another proud piece of Owen Sounds history for the sole purpose of leveling the amount disappointment between the two schools is just another example of just how out of touch our Trustees are.
I say keep the name. I have already went to the site and made my suggestion. The new name should be West Hill Secondary School. The reason is I gave was simple. The school is on the west hill and it is not new. Respect history! I would urge everyone to do the same and send a message that we are not idiots. If the appeal fails and they actually get funding for a new school , WHSS will be closing in a few years anyways. Why not give the school the respect it deserves.
#WHSSstopthegamekeepthename
On a lighter note! If they really want to name something that is actually new, why don't they name the portables? One can be named The BWDSBs School for the Performing Arts to pay homage to the history of OSCVI.
Gerald Fletcher,
