2012-2013 School Year
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has created attendance boundaries for each of its schools. This allows the Board to make the most effective use of its schools and staff. In some cases, families want their child to attend a school that is not their “home school”. Students attending an Out of Catchment school are not eligible for transportation services.
Below is a link to the list of schools that may accept Out of Catchment requests, as well as the forms for Elementary and Secondary students, and a link to some Frequently Asked Questions.
The list of schools open or closed to Out of Catchment is reviewed and updated annually and is based on enrolment at each site.
Principals will review the applications they receive and will offer registration to families if space allows, using the criteria found on the application form.
Transfers to Middle/Senior School or Secondary School
If you currently have a child attending a school through the Out of Catchment process, his/her attendance at their current school does not guarantee them a placement at the middle/senior school or secondary school associated with his/her current school. Parents/Guardians will need to apply to request their child be allowed to attend a school different from their home school, through the Out of Catchment application process. If your child’s next school is not accepting Out of Catchment students, your child will return to his/her home school.
Entering Kindergarten
If you have another child entering the school system, he/she is not guaranteed space at the Out of Catchment school his/her sibling attends. All students are directed to attend their home school and can apply to attend a different school, provided there is space. Parents/Guardians should be aware that as we implement Full Day Kindergarten across the District, we are unable to accept Out of Catchment students at schools offering the Full Day Kindergarten Program.
Daycare
We allow students from the daycare into kindergarten through the Out of Catchment process, as long as the school is not offering Full Day Kindergarten. If your child is in kindergarten and Out of Catchment when the school implements Full Day Kindergarten, your child will have to return to his/her home school.
Forms
Open to Out of Catchment
Grades K to 8 - Click here
Grades 1-8 (closed to JK and SK) - Click here
Grades SK - 8 (closed to JK) - Click here
JK and/or SK Limited Acceptance (for French Immersion only) – Closed Grades 1 - 8 - Click here
Closed to Out of Catchment
All grades - Click here
Questions & Answers - Click here
What is the Board’s Out of Catchment practice?
A principal may consider Out of Catchment requests and register students who are requesting Out of Catchment consideration if spaces exist within the school.
What is the criteria for determining if a school can accept Out of Catchment students?
If the school is deemed to have space within the building for additional students.
Who approves the application?
The principal of school, and his/her decision is final.
When do I have to apply for Out of Catchment and when will I find out if my application was approved? Is there a timeline for the application process?
Out of Catchment applications are available to parents/guardian, upon request.
February 23 |
First day principals may approve Out of Catchment requests from those submitted between February 10-22 (pending the numbers available in the class).
Principals will continue to accept Out of Catchment applications and create an Out of Catchment waitlist.
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June 15
(Schools currently offering Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) are closed to OOC applications at the JK/SK level)
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School principals will, in consultation with Planning and Accommodation and their Superintendent of Student Achievement, review any students on their waitlist and determine if acceptance will be granted. Acceptance must not lead to the creation of an additional class at the school.
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Out of Catchment applicants may be registered, depending on space after June 15
Can my child attend a daycare at a school that is Out of Catchment?
Yes, your child can attend a daycare at a school that is Out of Catchment if the school does not have Full Day Kindergarten or is scheduled for full day Kindergarten in 2012/13. Schools receiving Full Day Kindergarten in 2013/14 school year may only accept SK applications. Please see the school for registration process.
If I have a child already attending a school Out of Catchment, will my other children be able to attend the same school?
Only if the school is accepting Out of Catchment applications.
Can my child stay in the Out of Catchment area when moving from Elementary to Secondary school?
No, a new Out of Catchment request is required for secondary school.
If my child is accepted at an Out of Catchment school, could they be asked to return to their home school if enrolment increases?
No, once an Out of Catchment request is accepted the student will be allowed to attend the school until graduation from the school in which the Out of Catchment application was granted.
Will my child receive transportation to their Out of Catchment school?
Transportation is not provided for Out of Catchment students.
Is there a list of schools that are accepting, or not accepting Out of Catchment students?
Yes, it is posted on our website and is updated annually.
When does the principal review the Out of Catchment opportunities for secondary schools?
Early in the calendar year.
Can my child attend a French Immersion school that is Out of Catchment?
No, there are no Out of Catchment acceptances at French Immersion schools.
I have a French Immersion school within my catchment area that I would like my child to attend in JK. Can I enrol them in this school (Courtesy JK Registration)?
The French Immersion Program starts at the SK or Grade 1 level, depending on the school. If you live within the French Immersion boundary and are planning on sending your child to the FI school for SK/Grade 1 you may apply to JK/SK as an Out of Catchment student. Decisions will be made after June 15. If the student leaves the French Immersion Program at a later date, he/she will not be permitted to remain in the school.
The following schools will begin FI at the grade 1 level:
- Lawfield
- Bellmoore (2121 Provincial Route 56, Binbrook)
- Dundana
