Our Motto

Living and learning hand in hand.

School History

Elizabeth Ziegler Public School is a gothic revival landmark in uptown Waterloo.  G.S. Henry, Premier of Ontario, spoke at the opening ceremony on September 2, 1931.  Carving at the entranceways, wooden floors, and interior oak details are a few of the building’s beautiful architectural details.  The school was named for Miss Lizzy Ziegler, who taught school in Waterloo County for 58 years, retiring in 1930.  Her picture hangs in the school office along with her teaching certificate signed by Egerton Ryerson.

Woldemar Neufeld’s painting of the first schoolhouse in Waterloo hangs in the school.  The actual log structure now sits in Waterloo Park.

In 1954 a primary classroom wing was added to the school and in 1986 a school gym was built. May 1993 was the groundbreaking ceremony for the creation of a natural habitat area. Thanks to community members, students, parents, the Waterloo District School Board, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and others, a forest and meadow now grow in front of the school.  In 2006 we celebrated our 75th anniversary with many exciting events and visitors! The fall of 2013 saw another change with the addition of Full Day Kindergarten and some renovations to our Kindergarten wing.

Our Students

Approximately 450 students attend Elizabeth Ziegler School from JK to grade 6.  Our small classes, caring environment and respect for one another allows for optimum learning.  Students learn more than academics; positive recognition themes such as Kindness, Integrity and Friendship teach important life lessons during their years at Elizabeth Ziegler School.

Elizabeth Ziegler students love to learn.  Here is what some of our students say about learning:

“If you keep your mind open stuff will fall in.”

“You are the camera. Dreams are the film and education is the developer.”

“A teacher will guide you, a teacher will remind you and you will remember them as if you were forever friends.”

After senior kindergarten students may begin the French Immersion program at Elizabeth Ziegler until grade 6.

Our Staff

At Elizabeth Ziegler,  we are proud to have a staff that encourages student learning and growth by creating a vibrant school community. The staff consists of the principal, the vice-principal, teachers, educational assistants, early childhood educators, child and youth workers, a library clerk, office staff and our custodial staff.