The provincewide event, running from May 19th to 22nd, encourages Members of Provincial Parliament to visit schools in their ridings to discuss issues facing Ontario’s public education system.
School board officials, municipal representatives and county staff joined the visit, which focused on the upcoming revised Kindergarten curriculum and the growing demand for child care spaces in Renfrew County and the Whitewater Region.
The Renfrew County District School Board says the updated Kindergarten curriculum, set to launch in September 2026, will combine direct instruction in language, math and science with play-based and inquiry-based learning.
Officials also discussed the possibility of establishing a child care centre at Beachburg Public School. The Township of Whitewater Region has expressed interest in the project, with the board identifying the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities Application process as a possible funding source.
Board chair Leo Boland said discussions between elected officials and local school communities are important for supporting student achievement and well-being across the region.
Chief executive officer Kristen Niemi said the visit also gave Denault an opportunity to observe Kindergarten classrooms and discuss broader community needs with local leaders.
(Steve Berard)
