By Pepper Parr
May 22nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a different school. It had character and was truly diverse
It was a vibrant school.
School principal Mark Duley using an older model of a fire siren to get student attention.
The fight to keep it open lasted longer than many people expected but the end has come
Closed for the last quarter of the year Robert Bateman will hold a virtual closing event on June 18th.
The Halton District School Board is organizing a virtual celebration of Robert Bateman High School (2004-2020) on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 p.m. at www.hdsb.ca in lieu of an in-person event, given current public health restrictions on large gatherings.
Robert Bateman High School will close its doors at the end of June 2020 after 16 years; with students moving to nearby Nelson High School and the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) students moving to Burlington Central High School.
Closing Bateman was part of the re-alignment of the seven high schools that were reduced to five.
High school students have taken to the streets in the past to make their point.
The original plan was to close Central high school along with Lester B. Pearson. After vigorous public debate the decision was to close Bateman and Pearson high school.
The closing celebrations will recognize and honour the diversity and talents of current and former students and staff.
Robert Bateman High School students, staff and alumni are encouraged to share their memories of RBHS with a picture or short video sent to the organizing committee via email at RBHScelebrations@hdsb.ca by Tuesday, June 2. These memories will be included in the online school closing celebrations.
Despite vigorous protests the parents were not able to make the board, particularly the trustees make the best choice.
Current students, staff, and alumni who wish to have an artifact or piece of memorabilia from Robert Bateman HS are encouraged to visit the RBHS Memorabilia and Artifact website to see what is available and learn how to request an item. The website will be live on Monday, May 25. Please check back as items will continue to be added.
Further information and event updates will be posted on the Robert Bateman High School website (rbh.hdsb.ca), Facebook Page RBHS Celebrations, Twitter @RBHScelebration and Instagram @RBHScelebrations.
If schools are able to move forward with large in-person gatherings for graduating students this fall, in accordance with public health guidelines, the HDSB plans to incorporate school closing activities into that event.
Perhaps school closing decisions should be revisited, considering that physical distancing is going to be a requirement from now on. Clearly overcrowded schools represent a greater risk to the occupants and a new school capacity formula is needed.
Debate – how about the interference from the mayor – simply Nelson is not and will not be ready – increasing school attendance – RBHS should remain open
totally agree Roger!