New Kitchener elementary school officially opens
Posted Jun 12, 2026 04:17:13 AM.
Last Updated Jun 12, 2026 10:04:23 AM.
Willow River Public School is officially open.
The elementary school on Thomas Slee Drive in the southwest corner of Kitchener welcomed Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7 students this past September. The Grade 8 students will be welcomed this coming September.
The next school year will see nearly 600 students attending. There is also a YW Child Care Centre in the building.
The name Willow River Public School was inspired by the area’s connection 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,” read a release from the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB).
Over 300 name submissions were sifted through before Willow River P.S. was chosen.
“Looking back to the first day of school in September 2025, we were excited to open our doors to students for an incredible year of learning,” said Principal Carol Coyle.
“With our official opening today, it is hard to believe how far we have come. There’s a special energy that comes with creating a new school community from the ground up. Together, we didn’t just open a school, we built a community.”
The past several months have seen hundreds of students and staff select the school colours and mascot. They are now known as the Willow River Otters.
Planning for the new Kitchener school dates back to July 2020, when the Ministry of Education announced $25 million in funding for the school.
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