HawthorneVillager.com

I checked EQAO, and Fraser Institute - not sure where you're getting your information from but by and large it looks pretty typical of schools in Milton. And it's hard to put stock in results for a school that's only been open a few years. Also, next year it's going to see a population shift downwards because of the boundary review and number 8 holding school which can change results and ratings. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.

As far as I know, your school is based on where you live, so unless you move or switch to the catholic board, your other choice is home schooling or private school. That being said, my daughter just finished kindergarten at PLR, and at least that level was fantastic and taught her a lot. PLR did not score well on EQAO testing, but part of that is that it also has almost 50% english as a second language students. hard to do well on testing when you are still learning the language.

I like the school overall, and with the new school taking away a lot of the students, things will get better. I am also optimistic that the next set of EQAO scores will be much improved as well.

You could send your "Kid" to boarding school I suppose.
You could teach your " kid" to research before he commits to moving or registering for something.
You could take the free public education provided and teach your kid a little on the side.

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Technically, you could apply for your child to attend J.M. Denyes or Sam Sherratt school under the optional attendance program. I would argue, however, that all schools in Milton are quite equivalent in terms of quality. On what basis are you suggesting the reputation of PL Robertson is below average? Perhaps some here could alleviate any specific concerns you may have.

Dear OP - I would really like to know how you based your decision. I also don't think you will find a school where all parents are 100% satisfied.
I have had never met a more dedicated staff handling immense challenges and still striving to make the best of an impossible situation.
PL may not meet your standards, but I would not base my decision based solely on a few unhappy parents opinions. There are alot of us that would support our school and I for one have nothing but great praise for the staff.

Good school. Perhaps you need to talk to smarter people.

Good decison, I say. My son is going to SK there this September, so less kids in the class is always a plus

He loved his JK, though, and we have nothing bad to say about the school.

EQAO scores really mean nothing. It simply depends on the group of students. Teachers can bust their butts to improve the students writing EQAO but in the end, it depends on them (the kids).
Some years they are up, some years they are down--because of the students who write them. Someone mentioned a lot of ESL students in the school. They still have to write EQAO as do students with learning disabilities etc. So therefore, the overall marks are skewed and are not necessarily the 'average' of the student body.

Sounds like parents who have students who attend that school are happy. You would be better off to go by those observations than anything else. You can always have your child go there for a few months and take him out if you are not happy. Kindergarten students often take time to get used to their new surroundings, so give it a few months.

The only real way to tell I think is to experience the school for yourself; all surveys are, are just numbers. I think if you start talking to the teachers, and parents at the school you'll get a different answer. You'll probably get a more complete answer.
I'd send the kid in September, and then re-evaluate at Christmas. If the kid's happy, leave them; if not then look to move him for S.K. . The O.P.'s child is 4-years old, I don't think it takes too much to make 4-year olds happy. (Remembering my cousin when he was that age).

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Wow...your observations are interesting.

You can check any teacher or principal's qualification at the Ontario College of Teachers website. It is quite an extensive process to become a principal, so they would have to have all the qualifications.

Children are going to be children...and you're right a teacher cannot see every little thing happen. Kindergarten children do all kinds of silly things, but it takes time for them to learn. When parents don't reinforce these 'rules' at home, it doesn't help either!
It is good for children to be exposed to other children and learn to interact with one another. Give it a trial run and see however don't expect perfection anywhere!

Yeah this person sounds a little anal and paranoid. I was on parent council with that principal. She is highly competent and qualified. I bet you any money too that if these kids actually 'threw rocks' at you and you actually SAID something to the teacher, the teacher would have taken care of it. And that report!!?? Seriously? Go actually talk to the principal of the school before you jump to silly conclusions.

Hahaha...you said it...not me

Why are you borrowing trouble/drama when you haven't encountered any?

1. The schools academic standing should be the top priority in your concerns if you're serious about givign your child a solid educational base. Everything else,m you as a parent should be able to handle.deal with as it comes up.
2. You're basing your concerns on gossip and rumours rather than actual facts. Your posting here is the same as spreading that gossip. Call the school and or the school board. Don't believe every little story you hear..
3. If you didn't report the stone-throwing incident to the teacher/school office, then you are just as bad as those kids. Actually no...you're worse. You know better but did nothing to ensure those kids learnt what's acceptable and what's not.
4. If such a report existed, I'm sure it would have come up here before in the bullying thread. I googled it, could find nothing. Is this an actual news report of just some upset parent spouting off on the internet on a blog? Was this investigated by the cops?

Sounds like you either know (or could very well be) the mother of the long haired kid who was bullied because she was making a gender fashion statement. Dude ( or Madam ), as a parent the onus is on you to protect your kids and sinking into gossip drama isn't a valid way to go about it. Go do your research and if you find any of that crap true, then come back here and warn the masses.

P.L.R is hands down the absolute worst elementary school in Milton. During this difficult time, my son told me that this school is forbidding all balls and equipment brought from home. They also make you wear masks throughout the whole 6 hour day. This school is literal trash.

Isn't that the same rules as all other schools ?

On a side note - the namesake of PL Robertson school was the inventor of an efficient manufacturing technique for the square head screw that made the idea a commercial success. Produced in a factory in Milton these "Robertson" screws are IMO the best screws in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._L._Robertson

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