WESTMEATH — As important as the Westmeath Public School is to the local community, it’s also important to the whole of the Township of Whitewater Region.
Melissa Dick, a committee member of Westmeath Public School Save Our School, said the students raise money that is used within the community, such as the Westmeath Arena, which is used by many people throughout the municipality.
Since hearing of the possible closure of the school last month, the Save Our School committee was formed and is working diligently to ensure the school doesn’t close, she said.
“We’ve received amazingly tremendous success with the support from the community,” Ms. Dick said, adding, “from as far away as Germany to as close as next door.”
In a pamphlet titled SOS WPS, it reads: Rural schools promote communities and encourage families with young children to remain in or locate to our area.
Ms. Dick encourages as many people as possible to attend two upcoming meetings regarding Westmeath Public School.
There is a town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in the community hall of Westmeath Arena. SOS WPS members will provide information into the work that has been accomplished to date, she said.
“We are looking for ideas to help keep the school open,” Ms. Dick said.
A public information meeting, with officials from the Renfrew County District School Board, will be held on Thursday, April 14 starting at 6:30 p.m., also in the community hall of Westmeath Arena. At this meeting, the officials will provide a review of four stations: transportation; building/facilities; student learning; and programs. There will be no public discussion at this meeting.
However, at the board meeting on Monday, May 16, public delegations will be heard. More information about this meeting will be provided at the April 14 meeting, she noted.
For information on SOS WPS, please check out the group’s facebook page www.facebook/wpssaveourschool or email [email protected]. If you would like to contribute financially to the group to help with its expenses, please go to gofundme.org/wpssaveourschool.
Ms. Dick noted the decision has not yet been made, but if there is support shown for the school, maybe there won’t need to be a decision.
