Message that went out to families of Notre Dame School in Cobourg on November 14, 2024
Important Safety Update and Classroom Relocation at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School
Dear Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School Families,
This morning, we received information that a section of the concrete roof at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School has been deemed unsafe for occupancy. We immediately relocated all students and staff from the impacted area to safe locations in other parts of the school.
The school building includes a variety of roofing materials, and only those areas covered by the concrete roof require relocation as a safety precaution. Please be assured that all other areas have been thoroughly assessed and confirmed safe for use.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. We understand that this relocation has disrupted routines, and we deeply appreciate your flexibility and support. Our dedicated staff is committed to creating safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces in the new areas and will work closely with students to make this transition as smooth and reassuring as possible. Staff members are also providing additional support to help students adjust to the changes in their learning environment.
Unfortunately, there are no short-term solutions to address the roof in the affected section, so we anticipate that this area will remain off-limits, possibly through the remainder of this school year.
The following adjustments to class and office space have been made today. These changes will be reviewed and may be subject to further adjustments:
· The offices of Mrs. Brady and Mr. James have been moved to the centre of the building.
This is where parents/guardians can pick and drop off children.
· Mrs. Hanley and Mrs. Bennett’s Kindergarten class has moved to 106
· Mrs. Burke’s Grade 4/5 class has moved to 104
· Mr. Cullen’s Grade 7 class has moved to 103
· Mrs. Ferguson’s Grade 8 class has moved to 102
As a result of this situation, all parent/teacher interviews that were scheduled at the school this evening will be cancelled. Classroom teachers will be reaching out to families to reschedule a phone interview in the days to come.
Background
Last fall, the Ministry of Education directed all school boards to assess facilities following school closures in the United Kingdom due to deteriorated RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) roofs. A similar issue prompted the closure of the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto this past June.
After assessing all PVNC Catholic schools, the Board determined that no RAAC materials were in use in any school. However, in August 2024, as part of an ongoing facility review, the Board engaged an engineering firm to assess Notre Dame CES and St. Michael CES. In September, this firm identified “Rapidex” concrete roof panels at Notre Dame CES. Although Rapidex is not the same material as RAAC, the firm recommended further investigation.
The Board subsequently hired Art Engineering to conduct a detailed assessment of the Rapidex roof panels. On November 14, 2024, Art Engineering provided a report categorizing the roof section as a medium risk and recommending the immediate closure of the affected area due to its use as a classroom space.
The impacted section consists of four classrooms and a foyer area, including several smaller offices and bathrooms, totaling approximately 5,900 square feet.
What’s Next
We understand that this news may raise questions, and we are committed to keeping you informed. In the days ahead, school administration and classroom teachers will be sharing additional information to support families during this transition.
The Board has established a dedicated webpage with ongoing updates, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. This webpage will be your central resource for the latest information on the facilities issues at Notre Dame CES and contact information for any additional facility related inquiries. We will update it regularly to ensure that you have the most current information.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and partnership as we work to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students at Notre Dame.
Please feel free to contact the school office with any immediate questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sherri Slade-Brady
Principal
Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School
Author: Pete Fisher
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