Catholic Board officials are trying to figure out why high school retention numbers are so low in their Wallaceburg elementary schools.
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board reports 70% of Catholic elementary school students throughout Chatham-Kent decide to go to Ursuline College Chatham. However, only around 40% of students at Wallaceburg's three Catholic elementary schools have opted to attend the Pines over the last three years.
Superintendent Scott Johnson says they have some theories to explain the low retention rate.
"We have assumptions based on geography and the fact that there's a good local school nearby. But I want to hear from the parents and the students about what other challenges or issues do they see as obstacles," says Johnson.
A meeting is being held Wednesday afternoon at the board's Wallaceburg office to brainstorm why fewer Wallaceburg students are choosing UCC.
Johnson says that's their best chance at receiving feedback.
"They'll not just give us challenges but suggestions of pieces of information that, if they knew, they might decide to go to the Pines," he says.
The meeting will include teacher and principal reps from Christ the King, St. Elizabeth and Holy Family elementary schools, as well as parents and students in Grades 6-8.
