It was a bittersweet morning for students at Lorne Avenue Public School, as they arrived at the school for the final time before it closes for good.
The day began with students taking their last "walking school bus" to class.
"The kids were all happy to be together but at the same time there are a lot of tears at the school," says Scott McLean, a member of the Save Lorne Avenue School community group.
The Old East Village school has been on the site for 141 years, but due to declining enrollment found itself on the Thames Valley District School Board's chopping block in 2012. Parents fought long and hard with the board to save the school. They ultimately lost the battle in the spring of 2014 when the board voted in favour of closure.
"There's a lot of sadness. This has been a community school, where a lot of us get together and as a community we are raising our kids together," says McLean. "This has been the hub for many families and we are losing that connection."
One last assembly was held at the school Wednesday before the 250 students began their summer break. Other celebrations honouring the school's rich history were held earlier in the month.
"We've had a number of events over the last couple of weeks to celebrate the school and the community. I think that has helped with the transition quite a bit with the kids," says McLean. "Instead of having it all lumped into one day we've been able to spread it out and help the staff, the kids, and the parents cope with this over a longer period of time."
Lorne Avenue pupils will attend the newly renovated East Carling public school on Quebec St. beginning in September.