Name for New Dunnville Elementary School Reflects the Community

Grand Erie District School Board’s new elementary school in Dunnville officially has a name, and both the moniker and the process used to select it, have strong ties to the community.

Mapleview Elementary School was chosen from 65 potential names submitted by students, staff, parents, community members and the public between March 6 and May 7, 2018. The names were then whittled down to three finalists by the Transition Committee before Mapleview Elementary School emerged as the recommended name. Trustees approved the Transition Committee’s recommendation at the Board meeting on Monday, May 28.

“Mapleview was put forth as a name that acknowledges a new beginning while also honouring the past,” said James Richardson, Trustee representing Haldimand County, where the new school is being built. “The name is taken from the nearby Maple Creek, and includes ‘view’ as a nod to both schools (Fairview Avenue Public School and Grandview Central Public School) that will close at the end of this school year.”

Mapleview Elementary School, which is under construction on a site next to Fairview Avenue Public School, will feature child and family programming spaces as well as child care. The new school is a result of the Haldimand East Elementary Pupil Accommodation Review process, completed in 2016-17. It is being funded through a Capital Priorities Grant of approximately $10 million from the Ministry of Education.

Fairview Avenue Public School and Grandview Central Public School hosted well attended open-house events in April as each school celebrated its history in Dunnville. Students from both schools will join together at Mapleview Elementary School in 2018-19.