°ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõplans for new school to accommodate students with different disabilities
![students from st raphael](https://az184419.vo.msecnd.net/emsb/MediaGroupings/534/special-program1.jpg)
The °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõ has launched a consultation process in order to open a new school for students with different disabilities. It is being proposed that the school be housed in the Nesbitt Elementary School facility in Rosemount for the 2025-26 academic year and coincide with the closure of St. Raphael Elementary School in Park Extension.
Over the last five years, the °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõhas opened numerous self-contained classes to address the needs of our students with specialized needs in mainstream schools. This has caused overcrowding in some schools and extended resources across the system. Furthermore, as the °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõhas a limited number of self-contained classrooms due to the lack of space, students with complex needs are often placed in regular classes. Some students need the type of specialized services that self-contained classes in regular schools cannot offer.
St. Raphael School presently welcomes students with severe socio-emotional and behavioral difficulties. Its success is measured by the fact that it is at full capacity with a waiting list. Due to the increased number of referrals to the EMSB, a location is needed to accommodate students with severe behavioral difficulties. It will serve two types of clienteles: neurotypical students with severe behavioral difficulties as well as neurodivergent students with severe behavioral difficulties and will provide specialized resources and space to address the needs of both groups
°ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõChair Joe Ortona states that the objective here is to explore the need to consolidate a number of its resources in one location and create a center of expertise to better serve our students with different disabilities in Montreal.
“Having the students with exceptional challenges in a building where there is an existing school with joint activities, such as concerts, carnival days, welcome back festivities, just to name a few, would help facilitate the integration of neurotypical children into a regular setting,” Mr. Ortona said. “The integration of students with particular needs into a regular setting offers equitable opportunities. and improves the learning outcomes for all children. Studies show that the brains of children with disabilities develop stronger neural connections in a richer and diverse learning environment. Furthermore, students with disabilities add to the diversity of the school which enriches every child’s learning experience. This helps students in the regular school to better understand the need to respect and appreciate societal differences and as a result, students with disabilities are treated with respect by their peers whilst helping them feel a stronger sense of belonging.”
In order to address the needs of the students, the number of children per class will be maintained at an average of six to eight and 112 overall. By creating this Centre of Expertise, professionals with specializations will assist °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõschools in the implementation of best practices for special needs instruction as well as providing direct intervention, guidance, professional development, and the sharing of material. Furthermore, the specialized school would offer ongoing support to parents and families.
Public hearings will take place in September 2024 with a final decision to follow by the Council of Commissioners.
°ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõ the °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõ
With a youth and adult sector population of more than 35,000 students, the °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõ (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõnetwork consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the °ÄÃÅ×¥ÂëÍõwebsite at .