Student barred from St. John the Baptist school
By MARK PAVILONS

The first week of school was filled with anxiety for a Bolton child, who has been barred from attending his school of choice.

For now, seven-year-old Matthew Rocca is attending Ellwood Memorial Public School, while a dispute between his parents and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board lingers.

Nicola (Nick) Rocca explained he tried to register Matthew at St. John the Baptist Sept. 1, but his appearance at the school, and registration papers, received less than a warm welcome.

On the first day of school Sept. 5, the Roccas sent Matthew to St. John, where he was told he was not registered at the school and was returned to his parents, who waited outside of school property. With a history between them and the board, they were under the impression they were not welcome on board property. That was reinforced by the presence of Caledon OPP officers who were on site to apparently "keep the peace."

When the Roccas returned home, they found a letter on their porch from Ralph Borrelli, the board's associate director, which was apparently delivered by courier Sept. 1. In it, Borrelli acknowledged receipt of the Roccas' registration package, but noted it wasn't for St. John, but another school. Borrelli further noted the Education Act provides students with the right to attend a school in the board's jurisdiction, but does not provide the right to attend a particular school.

"... and in the present circumstances the most appropriate school for Matthew to attend is Holy Family School," Borrelli wrote.

Mark Ducharme, principal at St. John the Baptist, said he's unable to talk about the details of the dispute, since they involve privacy issues. He did say it's not a simple matter, but they are working on a solution and hopes are it will be resolved.

John Stegeman, acting principal at Ellwood Memorial, said it would be inappropriate for him to discuss any of his students or parents in a public forum.

"There is an ongoing challenging relationship between the school and the parents," said Bruce Campbell, manager of community relations for the board. "We want the student to experience a Catholic education and the school and board feel that the best interests of the student is to start fresh at a new school. We have offered the family the opportunity to enroll at Holy Family School."

Nick Rocca said the dispute goes back some time, but regardless of the history his calls and questions have not been answered by board officials. He still doesn't know why his son can't attend St. John since he's never been anything but a solid student academically. Matthew has never been suspended or expelled, but he does have a learning disability. Rocca believes that all Dufferin-Peel schools should have identical programs in each school to accommodate students like Matthew.

Matthew attended St. John in senior kindergarten and grade 1, but his parents pulled him out mid-way through the last school year, after several incidents that included what the Roccas referred to as verbal and physical conflict. He completed grade 1 at Ellwood.

The Roccas contend that Matthew's needs are not being addressed by the staff at St. John the Baptist. Mr. Rocca stressed to this day,

they have not received anything in writing stating the board's position or concerns, so they're still at a loss to understand the situation.

The Roccas want Matthew to attend a Catholic school and St. John is only a couple of blocks away. Mr. Rocca believes for Matthew to attend Holy Family, it would be too far to walk and it would disrupt his routine.