The closing of a long-time school building is usually a cathartic moment for any community.
Parents witness their children eventually go to school at the building where they learned the three "R's." The notion of a small school building also is the ideal of a neighborhood school, a notion that is quickly passing in the U.S. because of the cost of operating independent buildings.
Change can be painful for those who want to hang onto their childhood memories, and who can blame them? A small school building is a sign of changing times, and change can be difficult for those living in a small community.
Many have their emotions and sense of structure rooted in the small classroom or building - it gives many a sense of belonging. Such is the case with the loss of S.C. Dennis School to make way for a new, modern structure. Classes will be split among the current Karaffa Elementary School and the new building to be constructed near the site of S.C. Dennis.
June 1 was the last day for classes at S.C. Dennis, and it's understandable emotions are mixed. While the community grieves over the loss of yet anoth-
er small school building, it's a sign of the times. But it's also important to remember there are better things on the horizon as well.
The construction of a new building was approved overwhelmingly by the people of Toronto. That was a very brave decision. It takes a lot to not only voluntarily foot part of the bill for construction of a new building, but also to see that while change is painful, sometimes it's necessary for the good of the whole.
So, there is a time to grieve and heal and a time to look forward to the future. While we share the sense of loss of a smaller, neighborhood school building, we also share in the promise of the better future for the students and pupils of Toronto.
We also commend the Toronto community for its sense of shared sacrifice and foresight in a time of economic uncertainty.
