The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is proud to officially open Willow River Public School, its newest elementary school located in the growing southeast Kitchener community.
WRDSB is grateful to be joined by Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and MPP for Kitchener South Hespeler, Jess Dixon, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, representatives from the City of Kitchener and Regional Council and YW Kitchener-Waterloo as we celebrate the opening of the school. We look forward to all that this learning space will bring students, staff, parents, families, caregivers and the community it serves.
The name Willow River Public School reflects the area's deeply rooted natural and cultural connections to the Grand River watershed. O:se Kenhionhata:tie is the Mohawk name for the Grand River and means "Willow River," referring to the many willow trees along the river.
Open to students in September 2025, Willow River Public School welcomed 340 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7; Grade 8 will commence in September 2026. This modern, thoughtfully designed facility features flexible learning spaces, collaborative classrooms and bright common areas that support student well-being, engagement and innovative teaching practices. Designed to serve as both a learning environment and a community hub, the school also includes a YW Child Care Centre and welcoming spaces for parents, families, caregivers and community partners.
"As a former educator and administrator, I spent my career in WRDSB schools. I know that as a board we have learned the necessity of working to ensure that our schools are experienced as welcoming community spaces by all students, staff, parents, families and caregivers." said Maedith Radlein, Chair of the WRDSB Board of Trustees. "That is why it is so special to be here today, at the opening of this unique school, one that was built to connect students, staff and families with the environment.
"Schools are at the heart of thriving communities and Willow River Public School already reflects the spirit, collaboration and sense of belonging that we strive to foster across the WRDSB," said Scott Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the WRDSB. "We are proud to see students, staff, parents, families and caregivers come together to create a welcoming learning environment where every student feels supported, valued, and inspired to succeed."
"Looking back to the first day of school in September 2025, we were excited to open our doors to students for an incredible year of learning," said Carol Coyle, Principal of Willow River Public School. "With our official opening today, it is hard to believe how far we have come. There's a special energy that comes with creating a new school community from the ground up. Together, we didn't just open a school, we built a community."
Throughout its first year, students and staff worked together to establish the school's culture, from selecting school colours and mascot - the Otters - to organizing student leadership initiatives, community events and fundraising activities. The school looks forward to continuing to work together to support student achievement and well-being.
The Waterloo Region District School Board acknowledges the support and commitment of the Ontario Ministry of Education in ensuring that schools within the WRDSB maintain their innovative and equitable learning environments.
We look forward to seeing Willow River Public School continue to grow as a place of belonging, learning and opportunity for generations to come.
