Trustees of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) have selected names for two new DDSB schools in Ajax and Whitby scheduled to open in September 2021.
This follows a process where School Naming Committees were formed for both new schools and were comprised of local Trustees, staff, students, a member of the Indigenous Advisory Circle, and community members. The committee consulted with the broader school community on potential names and committee members for the Unnamed North Ajax French Immersion school received 118 submissions, while members of the committee for the Unnamed North Whitby Public School received 217 submissions. The two committees recommended the names for approval to the Board of Trustees.
In Ajax, the new school will be named Rosemary Brown Public School after the prominent Jamaican-born Canadian who was a social worker by education and practice, Canada’s first Black female member of a provincial legislature, the first woman to run for leadership of a federal political party and was named Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 1993.
Rosemary Brown Public School is located at 270 Williamson Drive, West in Ajax. The school will have a Ministry capacity of 558 pupil places and is scheduled to open in September.
In Whitby, the new school will be named Willows Walk Public School. Willows Walk was the name given to the community, in which the school is located, when the subdivision was established in 2002. Black willow trees are native to the area of Whitby where the school was built. The willow is also a symbol of new life with its ability to grow and survive challenging conditions.
Willows Walk Public School is located at 51 Lazio Street, just east of Anderson St, north of Taunton Road in Whitby. The school will have a Ministry capacity of 490 pupil places and is scheduled to open in September.
Quotes
“As our school district grows, we are very happy to announce the new names of two new schools in Ajax and Whitby. As with any of our new schools, the names chosen were determined through a consultation process, providing an opportunity for community members to contribute and reflect the uniqueness and history of each community. These new schools will contribute greatly to the future success of their new students, staff, parents, guardians and the broader community.”
Carolyn Morton, Chair of the DDSB and Trustee for Townships of Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge
“We are thrilled to have each of our new school communities choose a name they feel represents their values in educating their children. Our staff and educators will continue to work hard to achieve the values embedded in each school name with leadership, success, innovation, well-being, equity and through engaging the community.”
Norah Marsh, Director of Education
Background information on Rosemary Brown Public School:
As we look to open the doors to the Unnamed North Ajax French Immersion Public School this September, welcoming our staff, students and community, it is fitting that Rosemary Brown says, “We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.”
Rosemary Brown was a Jamaican-born Canadian who resided in Vancouver, British Columbia. A social worker by education and practice, Brown was also Canada’s first Black female member of a provincial legislature and the first woman to run for leadership of a federal political party. In addition to her impact in politics, she was an activist who fought for the advancement of people of colour and Women’s voices.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “During the 1960s, Brown found renewed purpose in her role as a political advocate against both racism and sexism. At the time, traditional roles of race and gender were being challenged in Canadian politics. As a Black woman, Brown was qualified to speak for both groups. Today we call this intersectionality.
During her 14 years as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Brown created a committee to remove sexism in British Columbia’s educational material.
After her political career, Brown turned her attention to the international stage and worked tirelessly in gaining support for overseas projects that promoted the political, economic and social advancement of women in developing countries.
In 1993, Brown was named Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
For her exceptional work and dedication, Brown received many awards and distinctions from a variety of governing bodies and institutions for her ongoing commitment to equity. Brown was dedicated to breaking down traditional barriers against both women and Black persons in Canada.
Although much of her work and legacy will be associated with Women’s rights and changing the experiences of Black people in Canada, Brown’s work also connects to truth and reconciliation as we continue to teach and live in a way that honours the land, voices and rich culture and history of our First Nations partners. Brown’s message of, “Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it” captures our belief that we must continue to make advancements in our schools and world that lead to all of us “making it”.
Her legacy and work will live on with her family and will be embodied in our school’s vision as we prioritize equity, welcoming and belonging and creating an environment where all voices from our diverse school community are heard and all people are respected and honoured in meaningful ways.
Rosemary Brown’s family was contacted to let them know that the committee would like to put her name forward and her family gave permission to do so.
Background information for Willows Walk Public School:
Willows Walk was the name given to the community, in which the school is located, when the subdivision was established in 2002. Black willow trees are native to the area of Whitby where the school was built. The willow is a symbol of new life. A willow branch can be planted in the ground and from it, a new tree will grow in its place. Its ability to grow and survive is powerfully symbolic and shows how we can thrive even in challenging conditions. The willow tree gives us hope, a sense of belonging, and safety. Furthermore, the ability to let go of the pain and suffering to grow new, strong and bold. The image of the willow tree is our path to stability, hope, and healing.
According to the encyclopedia, the willow has many uses in a variety of industries. It can be used as a source of charcoal for Art as well as for experiments and energy for the environment in Math and Science as well as for food for animals.
Willows Walk Public School will centre inherent Indigenous Rights and Human Rights in all aspects of school life. It will be a welcoming, innovative learning community where individual identities are valued and represented. Willows Walk is a name associated with the land. It is connected to strength, education, nature and continuous growth.
SOURCE: DDSB
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