Ottawa Child Granted School Admission After Policy Change

An Ottawa child, Grace Jewett, will now be able to enroll in her local French public school after the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) reversed its previous decision regarding admission policies. Grace, who is set to start kindergarten in September 2024, faced obstacles due to a policy that required the evaluation of her older sister, Lily Jewett, before Grace could be admitted.

Lily, aged eight, is living with a brain tumour that has affected her vocabulary and communication abilities. Their mother, Julie Jewett, expressed her frustration with the school’s policy, labeling it “cruel” given the circumstances. The family was informed that although only Grace would be attending the school, Lily’s assessment was necessary for Grace’s enrollment.

Following media coverage by CTV News Ottawa, which highlighted the family’s situation, the CEPEO convened an admission committee to review Grace’s case. On Friday, the committee decided to accept Grace into école élémentaire publique Mamawi for the upcoming school year.

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, the CEPEO noted, “Once management was informed of the specific nature of the situation of the Jewett family, it acted promptly to adjust its outlook and consider the particularities of the demand.” Grace had the opportunity to visit the school recently and is expected to receive a warm welcome when the school year begins.

Julie Jewett indicated that Lily is currently thriving in a modified program at a different school. She expressed relief that Grace would now have the chance to attend school in their neighborhood, allowing the family to maintain some continuity amid their challenging circumstances.

This decision underscores the importance of flexibility in educational policies, particularly when considering the unique needs of families facing extraordinary challenges. The CEPEO’s responsiveness to the Jewett family’s situation may serve as a precedent for schools dealing with similar cases in the future.