WRDSB’s newest school has officially found its name

The newest school being opened through the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has officially found its new name, with Willow River Public School set to open later this coming fall.

It is set to be located in the southwest portion of Kitchener at 670 Thomas Slee Drive, holding 591 students between Junior Kindergarten and Grade 8. It will also include a childcare centre.

The new name was announced during a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, Apr. 16, when trustees approved the name recommended by their naming committee. That committee reviewed a total of over 300 submissions during its Name Our New Kitchener Elementary School community engagement campaign.

“I am incredibly honoured to be part of the journey as we open Willow River PS. There’s a special energy that comes with creating a new school community from the ground up,” said Principal of Willow River Public School, Carol Coyle. “It’s a unique opportunity to build something meaningful together with students, families, staff, and the wider community.”

The committee has said the name reflects the area’s natural and cultural connections to the Grand River Watershed. O:se Kenhionhata:tie is the Mohawk name for the Grand River and means ‘Willow River,’ referring to the many willow trees along the river.

“The name Willow River Public School carries such a powerful symbolism. It connects us to the land, the history of the Grand River, and the deep roots of the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for this land for generations,” said Coyle. “As we build this school’s identity together, I’m excited to see how this will inspire learning, share our values, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Planning for the school initially began back in July of 2020 when the Ministry of Education announced $25 million in funding towards the new school.

Willow River Public School is set to open its doors to the first wave of students this coming September.